The Athletic FC Podcast

Football is at breaking point. That's the message of yet another stark warning from FIFPro who recently suggested that this season will be the "worst ever" for player workload.

We have PFA Chief Exec Maheta Molango on to explain what he's hearing from players, the impact this could have on its youngest stars, and whether we're heading towards a strike.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

Guests: Maheta Molango and Stuart James

Exec Prod: Adey Moorhead

Prod: Abi Paterson

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Since Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale over two years ago, the club has been plagued with instability on and off the pitch.

This week - things have got worse - Clearlake and Todd Boehly’s relationship is at breaking point and the ownership is in crisis.

So why has this partnership fractured, and what does it mean for Chelsea’s future? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Adam Crafton, Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Jay Beale

Learn...

Mauricio Pochettino is set to be confirmed as the new head coach of the US Men’s National Team

The Argentine takes charge less than two years out from co-hosting the World Cup

So, is Pochettino the right choice to turn US fortunes into an American dream?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Felipe Cardenas to analyse the potential appointment ahead of an official announcement with the countdown to the 2026 World Cup already underway!

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Adam Crafton and Felipe Cardenas

Ex...

Adam Leventhal is joined by Tim Spiers and Jon Mackenzie to assess the opening three weeks of the 24/25 Premier League season.

The panel reflect on Liverpool's 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, Everton's collapse at home to Bournemouth, and back to back hat-tricks for Erling Haaland - helping Manchester City start the season as they ended last.

We also hear from our Tottenham and Chelsea writers from the club podcasts across our network, and talk life after Toney at Brentford.

Plus - will Russell Martin's style of play get Southampton relegated, and Mark Carey d...

This week, Leicester City won their appeal against a Premier League charge for PSR breaches.

Everton & Nottingham Forest have already been punished for financial rule breaking and Manchester City face multiple charges of their own, so how did Leicester avoid a points deduction and what does it mean for PSR?

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater and lead writer of The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay to discuss the complexity of Leicester's appeal and what impact it could have for PSR and the rest of the Premier League.<...

Victor Osimhen was once the hottest strikers in European football. But instead of a move to PSG or Chelsea, the 25-year-old is swapping Naples for Istanbul.

So… how has Osimhen ended up at Galatasaray?

Host: Ian Irving

With: James Horncastle and Carl Anka

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Today we’re focusing on the Premier League club that is rock bottom of the table after three straight losses.

Meanwhile, off the pitch, their future is still up in the air.

So… what now for Everton?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Paddy Boyland, Phil Hay and Matt Slater

Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Today we’re picking the bones out of Liverpool’s 3-0 rout of Manchester United.

Arne Slot has begun life at Anfield with three wins from three, as for Erik ten Hag’s side they’ve already lost twice this season.

So have Liverpool improved or are Manchester United just not the test they once were?

Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Manchester United writer Carl Anka and Liverpool writer James Pearce, who were at Old Trafford, to analyse the difference between the two sides and examine the start to life under Slot for...

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where each week we’ll be going deep on the biggest game of the weekend.

This week — we’re focusing on Arne Slot's first serious test as Erik ten Hag's Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Plus, we look at the fixtures elsewhere with drop ins from the club podcasts across our network.

Host: Adam Leventhal

With: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Carl Anka, James Pearce, Neil Mellor

Executive Producer: Ben Green

Producer: Jay Beale

Ahead of the Champions League returning it’s goodbye to the group stage and that’s not the only change - you’ll probably notice they’ve dabbled with the music as well! 

To delve into the changes to the format Ayo Akinwolere is joined by football news reporter Matt Slater and lead writer for The Athletic FC newsletter Phil Hay.

The panel get into the the new league structure, explain why it gets called "The Swiss Model" and how it will work in practice.

Host: Ayo Akinwolere

With: Matt Slater and Phil...