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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Copyright: © The Athletic
Back in January, Xavi announced he would be stepping down as Barcelona boss at the end of the season, citing the role as a “cruel job” that “wears you down”.
But last week, he and Barca changed their minds - yet another twist in a rollercoaster season for the Catalans.
So, why did Barca perform a dramatic U-turn on Xavi’s future?
How strong is his position now?
And can Xavi be backed in this summer’s transfer market to the level he now expects?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Pol Ballús and Tomás Hill López-Menchero
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mohamed Salah’s heated exchange with Jurgen Klopp last weekend left many questioning whether the forward would join his manager in leaving Liverpool this summer.
Then as The Athletic revealed on Monday, Liverpool expect Salah to stay this summer and are planning on him being part of their squad for next season.
So, with his future back on the agenda, what are Liverpool’s options with or without their iconic forward?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and James Pearce
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal were too much for Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, running out 3-2 winners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After the games, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou said his team needs to deal with the “details” to be contenders.
So what exactly are the fine margins they are missing?
And will it be enough to get to the next step and challenge next season?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Jack Pitt-Brooke and Seb Stafford-Bloor
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s matchday 35 in the Premier League and it’s a huge north London derby as Arsenal go to Spurs hoping to stay in the title race.
Elsewhere, Man City go to Nottingham Forest and West Ham host Liverpool.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers, Charlie Eccleshare and Jay Harris
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Almost three months on from Jurgen Klopp announcing his intention to stand down, Liverpool have earmarked the man they’d like to replace him.
So why do Liverpool want Feyenoord’s Arne Slot?
And is he the right personality to replace Klopp at Anfield?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Adam Crafton
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Playing an exciting brand of attacking football it’s no wonder Simone Inzaghi is now being linked to high-profile managerial jobs in England and abroad.
But is he better off staying in Italy and a resurgent Serie A?
Or does uncertainty around finance and the ownership at Inter mean now is the time for a new challenge?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: James Horncastle
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Monday, The Athletic revealed that West Ham have held talks with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim to be their next manager…
He is also being looked at to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
So who is Ruben Amorim and why is he in such high demand?
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Mark Carey
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before taking his seat at Wembley, Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed the London Marathon and compared the race, to the job he has to do at Old Trafford.
Seeing his boyhood side reach a second successive FA Cup Final was only have the story though as Erik Ten Hag's side almost squandered a 3-0 lead to be dumped out by Coventry City.
So will success in the FA Cup show enough progress for Ten Hag to remain in position, or do United's problems run deeper than just their manager?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Mark Critchley who were both at Wembley to discuss.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Carl Anka and Mark Critchley
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Related articles
Manchester United’s semi-final win was no turning point for Ten Hag – it was a tipping point - The Athletic
If Manchester United move on from Ten Hag, who does the data say they should target? - The Athletic
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s matchday 34 in the Premier League as Arsenal go to Wolves in the big clash in the title race.
Elsewhere, it’s the FA Cup semi-finals, as Chelsea face Man City and Manchester United go up against Coventry City.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Tim Spiers and Liam Twomey
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Wednesday night, Arsenal's Champions League hopes were ended in Munich, in their first quarter-final at that level in 14 years.
Afterwards Mikel Arteta was left lost for words in how to console his side, while they also remain in the Premier League title race.
So how can the Spaniard ensure the Gunners season doesn't peter out, how ruthless can they be in this summer's transfer window - or should Arteta be able to get more from the squad already at his disposal?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein and Art de Roche to discuss and analyse how different Arsenal could look the other side of the summer transfer window.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Art de Roche
Producer: Guy Clarke
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Related articles:
Arsenal’s progress this season will be undermined if their title challenge fizzles out - The Athletic
Arsenal are evolving at a pace that could leave Zinchenko, Jesus and others behind - The Athletic
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
