The Athletic FC Podcast

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  What If… VAR was scrapped? 04.10.2026 45min

  What If is back with a big topic: VAR. Should the contentious technology continue or should the Premier League vote to scrap it?Emma Paton is joined by Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick and former Premier League referee and VAR Graham Scott to discuss the pros and cons of getting rid of VAR.The panel also discuss the possibility of introducing a VAR challenge system, and other potential improvements to the system.Host: Emma PatonGuests: Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick, Graham ScottExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Danny Drinkwater on joining Chelsea, his Man Utd contract & regrets 03.10.2026 28min

  What is Danny Drinkwater's biggest regret?Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview.This week David is joined by Premier League winner and former Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater to discuss his rollercoaster career.Host: David OrnsteinGuests: Gary NevilleExecutive Producer: Joe DevineEditor: Don Ma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far 02.10.2026 37min

  The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion.The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Duncan AlexanderExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How much bigger could the Man City scandal get? 01.10.2026 58min

  Manchester City and the Premier League have gone to war since The Athletic first revealed they had been found guilty of virtually all the charges facing them last week.We’ve discussed the responses from both sides, possible sanctions and how those within the game have reacted.Today we’re asking… whose reputations have been damaged most? And how much bigger could this story actually get?Host: Kate MasonCo-hosts: Rob Green, Matt Slater, Adam CraftonExec Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Explaining Man City's £900m 'sham' finances 30.09.2026 43min

  Manchester City have been found guilty of artificially inflating their revenues and reducing costs via "sham payments" in the verdict reached by an independent regulatory commission investigating the charges brought against them by the Premier League.Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's senior news reporter Matt Slater, at the European Football Clubs general assembly in Copenhagen as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green to react to the statements released by both the Premier League and Man City.The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon also breaks down the nature of the "sham" payments as outlined by the commission as well as the extent of the owner funding within Man City's ownership group.Our Man City correspondent Sam Lee also joins to discuss City's stance, as the club continue to insist on their innocence and well as saying they will "pursue the appeal avenues open" to them.Host: Kate MasonWith: Matt Slater, Rob Green, Chris Weatherspoon and Sam LeeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Xavi BirdVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Inside the Man City scandal, with Ornstein and Horncastle 29.09.2026 49min

  Last week, David Ornstein dropped the exclusive story that Manchester City had been found guilty of almost all their charges relating to the Premier League's financial regulations. Today, he’s here with us in the studio.So how did the news that shook the world of football come about? How does it compare to the Calciopoli scandal in Italy? And what’s the reaction been from their rivals across England and Europe?Host: Kate MasonGuests: David Ornstein, James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Man City charges: The fallout + what happens next? 27.09.2026 53min

  After David Ornstein exclusively revealed Manchester City were found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations on Friday, we’re here to explain what those charges actually are, what the immediate fallout has been from the verdict, and what happens next.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s senior football reporter Adam Crafton in New York, managing editor of news Luke Bosher and Manchester United correspondent Cerys Jones.Executive Producer: Adam JonesVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Gary Neville on the future of punditry & becoming Prime Minister | Truth or Padel Full Interview 26.09.2026 26min

  Who does Gary Neville think will become the next great pundit? And does he see himself going into politics some day?Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview.This week David is joined by Manchester United legend and star pundit Gary Neville to discuss his biggest mistakes on and off the pitch, his latest moment of reflection in life and why he doesn't want to own Manchester United.Host: David OrnsteinGuests: Gary NevilleExecutive Producer: Joe DevineEditor: Don Ma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  EMERGENCY POD: Man City found guilty of almost all charges, with David Ornstein 25.09.2026 23min

  Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all of the charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.In this emergency podcast, senior news reporter Matt Slater is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein and Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee to discuss the breaking news and what it means.Host: Matt SlaterGuests: David Ornstein, Sam LeeExecutive Producers: Adam Jones, Adey MoorheadProducers: Grayson Moody, Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is the Chelsea 'project' stuck? 24.09.2026 41min

  Clearlake Capital have taken “full control” of Chelsea, purchasing Todd Boehly’s minority stake.Kate Mason is joined by Matt Slater, Liam Twomey and Rob Green to get into why Boehly’s four year affiliation with the club has come to an end, and what it means for the Chelsea ‘project’.Plus, Matt explains Clearlake's £5bn valuation of the club - more than double the purchase price back in 2022, and we get into the latest on Chelsea's stalling stadium plans.Host: Kate MasonWith: Liam Twomey, Matt Slater and Rob GreenExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Kylian Mbappe interview: Liverpool talks, Mourinho at Madrid and idolising Ronaldo 23.09.2026 42min

  Kylian Mbappe sits down exclusively with Daniel Taylor from The Athletic for a wide ranging interview at Real Madrid’s training ground.In a wide ranging conversation, he revealed how close he came to joining Liverpool before PSG, working with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, his favourite World Cup memories and what he does in his spare time to unwind.Hosts: Emma Paton & Danny TaylorGuest: Kylian MbappeExecutive Producer: Alex HoffmanVideographer: Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ornstein latest: Brentford’s recruitment recipe 22.09.2026 48min

  Brentford continued their excellent start to the season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea on Friday night.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Liam Tharme to dive into how the west London side operate so efficiently on and off the pitch.David also answers listener questions on Spurs' latest investment and what is going on at executive level at Manchester United.Plus, don't miss our teaser for David's brand new series: Truth or Padel.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How Brighton humbled Arsenal + Spurs hit rock bottom 21.09.2026 45min

  Arsenal were dealt a humbling on Saturday as Brighton ran riot on the south coast. Emma Paton is joined by Cerys Jones and Rob Green to get into how Fabian Hurzeler did a job on the Premier League champions, and where this result leaves Mikel Arteta's side. Plus, after their worst ever start to a Premier League season, we get into Spurs' defeat to Aston Villa that leaves them bottom of the league, and Stu James drops by to discuss his weekly feature for The Athletic, ranking the performance of all 20 Premier League teams to decide who won the weekend. Host: Emma PatonWith: Cerys Jones & Rob GreenFeaturing: Stu JamesExecutive Producer: Adam JonesProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What If... the Super League had happened? 20.09.2026 49min

  On this week's episode of What If, we're diving into the 2021 European Super League project, which collapsed within a matter of days.Host Emma Paton is joined by Matt Slater and Dan Kilpatrick to see what would've happened if the idea actually went ahead.Could it have worked, what would it have meant for domestic leagues, the Champions League and the fabric of football?Host: Emma PatonGuests: Matt Slater, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing 18.09.2026 47min

  It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season.The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s changed over time.Host: Kate MasonGuests: Rob Green, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Man United? 17.09.2026 38min

  Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel has outlined his desire to leave.To discuss why and how this situation has developed Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Matt Slater as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green.Andy Mitten, co-host, of Talk of the Devils also joins having watched Gabriel extensively at youth team level within the Manchester United academy system.As well as the situation around Gabriel's registration and Manchester United specifically the panel also delve into the impact Brexit has had on youth recruitment and retention as well as the impact youngsters like Max Dowman and Lamine Yamal have had in breaking through to first team environments at a tender age.Host: Kate MasonWith: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob GreenFeaturing: Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Lara Sinclair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are Liverpool adapting to Iraola? 16.09.2026 39min

  Liverpool saw off Spurs on Tuesday night to make it two wins from two in the cup competitions, but Andoni Iraola’s side have just one Premier League victory so far.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s James Pearce and Cerys Jones, plus author of 'Data Game: The Story of Liverpool FC's Analytics Revolution', Josh Williams to get into whether Iraola’s team are adapting to his principles.Plus, as Andy Robertson made his Anfield return after nine years on Merseyside, the panel discuss whether the current Liverpool squad have enough leaders and consider the implications Cody Gakpo’s departure could have had on Liverpool’s output in front of goal.Host: Emma PatonCo-hosts: Cerys Jones, James Pearce, Josh WilliamsExec Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay BealeVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score? 15.09.2026 45min

  Spurs have scored zero goals in their first four Premier League games this season. So why are Roberto De Zerbi's side struggling to find the back of the net despite their £300m summer outlay?Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss why they're misfiring in front of goal. Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by to discuss the issue.David also answers questions from subscribers on Man United's coaching set-up, Coventry City's poor start to the season compared to Hull City and Ipswich Town and interest from Arsenal in Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.Host: Emma PatonWith: David Ornstein and James HorncastleFeaturing: Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Mike StavrouVideographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure? 14.09.2026 39min

  Erling Haaland settled the 199th Manchester derby with the only goal as Man City came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Cerys Jones and former England goalkeeper Rob Green to pick through a controversial meeting.Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reflects on Michael Carrick's anger at the decision to allow Haaland's goal with former Premier League referee Graham Scott joining us to explain the VAR process.Man City correspondent Sam Lee explains the significance of the derby win for Enzo Maresca and we also wrap-up some of the other key talking points from the weekend with Seb Stafford-Bloor.Host: Emma PatonWith: Cerys Jones and Rob GreenFeaturing: Laurie Whitwell, Graham Scott, Sam Lee and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducer: Jay BealeVideographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010? 13.09.2026 50min

  Ahead of the Manchester derby, this week on What If... we're talking about Wayne Rooney and the hypothetical around whether he could have possibly made the switch across Manchester from United to City back in 2010.Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick, as well as Andy Mitten from Talk of the Devils to delve into Rooney's at times strained relationship with Sir Alex FergusonOur alternative timeline ponders whether the move to City could have taken place, as well as whether Rooney could have moved to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2013 as well as the impact any move could possibly have had on his own - or Sir Alex Ferguson's - Manchester United legacy.Host: Emma PatonWith: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Dan Kilpatrick and Andy MittenExecutive Producer: Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.