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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Excitement is building for the start of Africa Cup of Nations this weekend.
The tournament kicks off this Sunday, 21st December and runs until the final on Sunday, 18th January.
So will hosts and favourites Morocco deliver? Can reigning champions Ivory Coast defend their crown? Will 'fired up' Salah give Egypt the edge? And who are the key players to keep an eye on?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by Jay Harris and Simon Hughes to tell you everything you need to know ahead of AFCON 2025.
Plus, former Ghana manager Chris Hughton drops in to give the lowdown on what it’s actually like to manage at AFCON.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Chris Hughton
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Illife
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Another week of chaos at Manchester United, what’s new?
Bournemouth came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Ruben Amorim’s side in the game of the season so far at Old Trafford.
Carl Anka and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to chat about Monday night’s dramatic match.
The panel also tackle a ‘hurt’ Bruno Fernandes’ comments, the captain claimed the club 'wanted me to go' in the summer.
Plus, the Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke drops in to chat about the security of Thomas Frank’s position at the club after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the weekend.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Carl Anka, Adam Crafton,Jack Pitt-Brooke
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson
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Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way.
Now he heads off to AFCON with Egypt.
So will Salah be back in favour at Anfield when - and if - he returns?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: James Pearce, David Ornstein and Ahmed Walid
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
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Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event.
Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out.
Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam Crafton
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi Paterson
Producers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe
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Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.
After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point.
Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on.
Host: Matt Davies-Adams
With: Mark Critchley & Andy Jones
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou
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Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.
They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine him
So, is he on his way out?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-Bloor
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
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December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season.
So have clubs become more patient? And why?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley. James Horncastle also drops in to chat Como’s Cesc Fabregas - one of football’s most exciting up and coming coaches.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Mark Critchley. James Horncastle
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10.
They’re now third in the table. So can they actually compete with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea for the title this season?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Jacob Tanswell, Liam Tharme
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton
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On Saturday night Mohamed Salah spoke telling reporters the club has thrown him under the bus.
Liverpool have responded by dropping him for Tuesday night's Champions League trip to face Inter Milan.
So, with his patchy form combined with these comments will the Egyptian King play for Liverpool again?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Simon Hughes, Adam Crafton and Oliver Kay
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the team discuss some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently.
Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys Jones
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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