Stay ConnectedThe Athletic’s flagship football podcast, hosted by Ayo Akinwolere and featuring the likes of David Ornstein, Phil Hay, Adam Crafton and Matt Slater will take you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s really happening – and why it matters.
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Manchester United have confirmed their place in next season's Champions League.
So, what do the club need to handle being back amongst Europe’s elite?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Jay Beale
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This summer's World Cup in North America is the biggest in size and scale and now, arguably, the most controversial. The tournament kicks off in less than 40 days. Co-hosts USA remain at war with Iran, with fellow Middle East participants and historic allies drawn into the conflict - and FIFA caught in the middle. Travel bans, political protests and fears over ICE guarantee a turbulent countdown.
This special episode of The Athletic FC hears from players, coaches, fans, regional experts and human rights advocates on the geopolitical backdrop to World Cup 2026.
Presenter: Adam Leventhal
Producer: Paul Iliffe
Audio from: AP, BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, FIFA, England Records, beIN, C-SPAN
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Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.
On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.
The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.
Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay & Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Oli Kay & Caoimhe O’Neill
Featuring: Keith Andrews & Caoimhin Kelleher
Exec Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Jay Beale
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Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.
Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.
Host: Matt Davies-Adams
Guests: Stu James & Oli Kay
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers
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Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.
With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Chris Waugh and Matt Slater
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
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Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.
So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid?
Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-Bloor
Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson
Videographer: Liam Warburton
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As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.
How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?
And will it be another big summer of spending?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: James Pearce, Josh Williams
Executive Producers: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson
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Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.
But the question remains, who should be their next manager?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: James Horncastle and Liam Twomey
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
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On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.
So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?
And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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Already relegated Wolves host relegation-threatened Tottenham - can De Zerbi's side finally pick up some momentum against the league's bottom team?
Elsewhere, with Man City in FA Cup action, Arsenal have the chance to leapfrog them back to the top of the table at home to out of form Newcastle.
Host: Matt Davies-Adams
Guests: Cerys Jones & Art De Roché
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Jay Beale & John Rogers
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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