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Football on Turkey's Fault Line - Part One

Istanbul plays host to the Champions League final tonight just months after the horrific earthquake that killed tens of thousands of people in Turkey. Our reporter Adam Leventhal went to the country to see how it is recovering from the worst natural disaster in its modern history. In part one of our two-part series, Adam visits Hatayspor; the club Christian Atsu played for before he tragically passed away in the quake. To check out part two, just search for The Athletic's audio documentary feed 'Go Deeper' wherever you listen to your podcasts: https://pod.fo/e/182cac Produced by Adonis Pratsides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Pep Guardiola & Man City reach for football immortality in Istanbul

As Manchester City head to Istanbul in search of a Treble, having already secured the Premier League and FA Cup, Inter Milan stand in their way of achieving football greatness. Pep Guardiola aims to lead City to their first European success and in doing so end his own 12-year wait for Champions League success. Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the action as well as discuss some of the week's other big issues, including Ange Postecoglou's appointment at Tottenham Hotspur, plus, there's the Trivia as ever! Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messi to MLS: a seismic story explained

Lionel Messi has opted to join Inter Miami in MLS over a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or a romantic return to Barcelona. On this bonus episode of The Athletic Football Podcast, Adam Leventhal is joined by Felipe Cardenas in the US, Pol Ballus in Spain and Matt Slater in, err, Macclesfield to explain the intricacies of the move from every angle. How close was a return to Barcelona realistically? Why did Miami eventually win him over? Here’s all the big questions answered… Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23:21Jun 8PodcastListen
Real Madrid sign Bellingham - and they’re not done yet

How Real Madrid won the race to sign Jude Bellingham and why he chose La Liga over the Premier League.. We also have all the detail of how much are they paying Dortmund, how Real funded the deal and why they will not be finished spending just yet. Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein - who broke the story - our German football writer Rafa Honigstein & Dermot Corrigan who is in Madrid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29:22Jun 8TransferListen
Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary football overhaul explained

This week the Saudi Arabian domestic league announced a big revamp. In short it’s more teams, bigger talent, and a huge injection of cash. How will it work? Who could be joining Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema out there? And what is the Kingdom's ultimate goal? To answer these questions Mark Chapman is joined by Adam Crafton, Jacob Whitehead and Wael Jabir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Ange Postecoglou fix Tottenham?

After 72 days of searching for Antonio Conte's successor, Tottenham Hotspur have named Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach. Following his successive spell north of the border with Celtic, can he replicate that in North London and turn around Tottenham's fortunes? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and CODE Sports' Adam Peacock to delve into the Australian's career to date and consider how suitable a fit he is for the hotseat at Spurs. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball today to get 10% off your first month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35:23Jun 6PodcastListen
How can Man United get closer to Man City?

Coming up, how far are Manchester United from Manchester City in terms of success on the football pitch? And with uncertainty around ownership and transfer funds, what can they realistically do to close the gap next season? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Mark Critchley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Wembley prepares for first FA Cup Final Manchester derby

Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth are here to cast an eye over events at Wembley this weekend as Manchester City look to take a step closer to sealing the Treble. With Manchester United out to stop them matching Sir Alex Ferguson's feat of 1999 the panel look in depth to the match-up at Wembley with both The Athletic's Man City and Man Utd writers Sam Lee and Laurie Whitwell giving the perspective from both sides of Manchester. Plus there's a look at the managerial merry-go-round following the end of the Premier League season as well as the Trivia too! Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barmy Bundesliga: Dortmund collapse & Bayern’s rebuild

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Raphael Honigstein and Seb Stafford-Bloor after a hectic finale to the Bundesliga season in which Bayern Munich pipped Borussia Dortmund to the title. The reigning Bavarian champions acted quickly, relieving Hasan Salihamidzic and Oliver Kahn of their duties as their rebuild begins. Meanwhile, it was another emotional collapse for Dortmund as they failed to snatch Bayern’s crown. So what next for Bayern and Dortmund, and… their stars like Jude Bellingham, Leon Goretzka. Also, who could they bring in this summer? The panel answer all. Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Relief and anger at Everton - what next?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Greg O’Keeffe & Patrick Boyland to detail the story of Everton’s latest escape from relegation & how they’ll be looking to avoid it happening again next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ivan Toney's ban & Gambling's grip on football

Host Mark Chapman is joined by Steven Caulker & The Athletic's Jay Harris to explain Ivan Toney's 8-month ban from football and discuss the game's 'toxic' relationship with gambling... What exactly was Ivan Toney found guilty of, the 'extreme' nature of his punishment and a 'culture' that still plagues English football. Plus, Steven talks about an academy project of his launching this summer, Behind The White Lines, aimed at providing support to young players who have been rejected by professional clubs. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Leeds & Leicester were relegated & what next

So Leicester City & Leeds United have been relegated from the Premier League and will be playing in the second tier of English football next season.. So how did it come to this? And how will both clubs deal with various off pitch issues and look to bounce straight back? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Leeds writer Phil Hay & Rob Tanner who covers Leicester City for us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: The battle at the bottom heads to the final day as Everton, Leicester & Leeds await their fate

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as the curtain comes down on this Premier League season. Ahead of the scrap for survival at the bottom the panel assess what twists and turns could happen as Everton, Leicester and Leeds look to avoid relegation. Plus, there's a look ahead to the shootout for the Europa League Conference qualification between Aston Villa, Tottenham and Brentford as well as our 'End of Season' awards along with the Trivia and Six Scores Challenge. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fairytale Play-Off Final for the biggest prize in football

As recently as 2018 both Coventry City and Luton Town were playing one another in League Two, yet on Saturday meet at Wembley for a place in the Premier League next season. Luton having climbed back from dropping out in the EFL in 2009 and Coventry City, who have been 'homeless' due to stadium disputes and evictions during the last decade both have the chance of returning to the top flight. Mark Champman is alongside Matt Slater, Richard Sutcliffe and Nancy Froston to discuss football's 'Richest Game' and the impact this season's Championship Play-Off Final could have for its winner. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vinícius Júnior has had enough

Host Mark Chapman is alongside The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan, and former player turned commentator for DAZN Spain, Alberto Edjogo-Owono, after Vinicius Junior was once again racially abused while playing for Real Madrid. La Liga have sanctioned Valencia with a partial stadium closure for five matches. But is that going to make a difference? The panel answer that question, while The Athletic’s Jack Lang gives us the reaction from Brazil. Produced by Mike Stavrou. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle United: Where next?

Newcastle United will be returning to the Champions League after 20 years away next season, after securing a top four finish with a 0-0 draw against Leicester City on Monday night. Having also reached a first cup final in 24 years this season, their first under Saudi Arabian ownership and with Eddie Howe in the dugout what comes next for the Magpies? Mark Chapman is alongside George Caulkin and Oli Kay to explore where Newcastle go next... Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City: Champions and Allegations

So Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fifth time in the past six years. But off the pitch questions remain after over 100 Premier League charges - for allegedly breaching financial regulations - were brought against the club.. So is there an asterisk over City’s success until the charges are resolved either way? Or will the allegations just be forgotten about as more titles are collected and the long process drags on? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and our Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Man City aim to complete first leg of potential Treble, Newcastle looking to confirm Top Four finish & Big Sam heads back to West Ham in need of points

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the penultimate weekend of action in the Premier League. Man City welcome Chelsea to the Etihad hoping to seal their third successive league title while Newcastle know a win over Leicester City on Monday night will be enough to secure Champions League qualification. At the bottom, Big Sam heads back to West Ham hoping to keep Leeds alive heading into the final day, plus there's the Trivia & Six Scores Challenge. Produced by Guy Clarke *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What rest of Europe thinks of Man City's dominance

So the treble is very much on for Manchester City after they swept aside Real Madrid to reach the final of the Champions League in what Pep Guardiola described as one of their best ever performances. But does their brilliance get the respect and adulation across Europe in the same way we’ve seen with other great sides? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and also our Manchester football writer Mark Critchley whilst our reporters dotted across the continent share what Manchester City's rivals make of their dominance. *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Barcelona: Why winning La Liga is not enough

Barcelona's social media biographies read "“La Liga is ours. So is the future.” But how true is it and how well placed is the club to push on from this first domestic title in four years? Or is this success just a sticking plaster on a broken club? Mark Chapman is joined by Pol Ballus, Laia Cervello Herrero and Dermot Corrigan to discuss the Catalan club's future. *** • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pochettino’s Chelsea - will the players and owners buy into his plan?

What is the coaching philosophy of Mauricio Pochettino and is it what Chelsea need? And why wasn’t he considered at his old club Tottenham? Where are they now in their search for a new manager with Julian Nagelsmann also out of the running? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Simon Johnson & David Ornstein *** • Visit BetterHelp dot com slash ATHLETICFOOTBALL today to get 10% off your first month Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31:59May 15PodcastListen
Weekend Preview: Leeds & Leicester in need of relegation reaction, Liverpool applying top four pressure & Man City's Treble charge continues

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Leeds United and Leicester City look to respond to the pressure applied in the battle to avoid relegation by Everton and Nottingham Forest. At the top, Man City aim to maintain their lead with Arsenal waiting to take advantage should Pep Guardiola's side slip. Plus, there's a look at where Harry Kane could be playing his football next season and whether or not Liverpool will force their way into the top four. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United: A season on a knife edge

Are Manchester United really back? That was the feeling back in February after winning the League Cup and beating Barcelona. But now league form is faltering and their Champions League place is under threat from arch-rivals Liverpool and do they have enough in the tank to stop City winning a possible treble? All this plus the uncertainty over the ownership rumbles on. Ian Irving sits down to discuss it all with The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Bellingham to Real isn't a done deal. Yet.

Host Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Guillermo Rai, Sam Lee and Raphael Honigstein to explore Jude Bellingham's proposed summer transfer to Real Madrid, over a return to England and the Premier League... Why Man City have positioned themselves as "Release Clause FC", the impact of Real Madrid's very public failed pursuit of Kylian Mbappe last summer and Borussia Dortmund's negotiating position. Plus, an insight into the way the Bellingham camp operate, why so many players can't resist the lure of Los Blancos, which 'football project' is the most enticing and why a move to Pep's City might not actually make sense. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Italian football back?

James Horncastle joins Ian Irving to talk through the biggest headlines in Italian football. We go through the story of Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 and how they were able to succeed. We explain the Juventus scandal that's left the Italian courts remain indecisive on their points deduction and their rivals unsure of their place in the Serie A table. And we discuss the Derby della Madonnina that will guarantee a Milan club a place in the Champions League semi final. Italy - It’s chaotic, it’s romantic… but above all you can’t take your eyes off it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Sam Allardyce plans to keep Leeds in the Premier League

Sam Allardyce has just three games to keep Leeds United in the Premier League.. Coming up, we’ll look at the impact that 'Big Sam' has had already and his blueprint for survival - will it be enough? Joining Ian Irving from The Athletic is Adam Crafton and also our Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Big Sam is back, Man Utd leave top four door open & Erling Haaland powering City towards Premier League Coronation

As the Premier League welcomes back Big Sam, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to this weekend's action. Up first for Big Sam at Leeds United is a trip to champions Manchester City while Arsenal head to Newcastle United. Manchester United's defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion perhaps offers a chance to Liverpool in their pursuit for Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, in the scrap to avoid relegation, Nottingham Forest take on Southampton while Everton and Leicester City look to kick-on following their pulsating draw at the King Power Stadium. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Project Messi: How it fell apart at PSG

So this week Lionel Messi was suspended for two weeks by Paris Saint-Germain and will be fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia… Coming up we’ll discuss the events that surely signal the end of Project Messi in Paris & where he might play next.. Is Messi now more of a very expensive PR tool than a footballer? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's we have Adam Crafton and also our Paris Saint-Germain writer Peter Rutzler in Paris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arteta’s Arsenal: The next phase

Arsenal have had a very good season - Champions or not. And with Champions League football back, the future is certainly bright. So, what do Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal need to do to get to the ‘next level’ and how will the way they operate need to change? Joining Mark Chapman it's David Ornstein and Adrian Clarke Produced by Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Haaland has demolished the Premier League

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has made history scoring his 50th goal of the season on Sunday - the most goals by a top-flight player for 92 years. How has manager Pep Guardiola got the best out of him? How can City look to ensure he stays for as long as possible? Where does this season rank him in terms of the greatest of Premier League strikers? Joining Ian Irving to discuss the goalscoring heroics of Erling Haaland we have The Athletic’s Man City writer Sam Lee as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leeds United: How to sink a Premier League team

"This isn't about the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, it's about the decisions they've made since..." The Athletic's Leeds writer Phil Hay joins senior news reporter Matt Slater and host Ian Irving, to reflect on how Leeds got themselves into another relegation scrap this season. The vote of no confidence from the Supporters Advisory Board, the viral video, if Javi Gracia will see out the last four games of the season, what being in the Championship would mean for the takeover and a cautionary tale in how to sink a Premier League football club. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: City look to take top spot after shooting down the Gunners, Villa march onto Old Trafford & are Everton doomed?

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth following a decisive week at the top and bottom of the Premier League. With Arsenal not in action until Tuesday, Man City will look to take top spot when they head to Fulham. In the battle for European qualification Aston Villa head to Old Trafford and Liverpool take on Tottenham while Newcastle play Southampton. Plus, at the bottom, have Nottingham Forest begun their great escape and is there any hope left for Everton after they were smashed at home by Newcastle. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why the timing is right for Pochettino and Chelsea

Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea writers Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey and Jack Pitt-Brooke, our Tottenham correspondent. The panel discussed how Mauricio Pochettino has become firm favourite to be that man as the new permanent Chelsea manager & why the timing couldn’t be better for all parties involved. Also how Chelsea's dismal form puts Pochettino in a position of strength, why the state of the squad could suit his skills and how his Spurs links will be a hindrance if things don't start well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

29:50Apr 27PodcastListen
How quickly can Wrexham reach the Premier League?

On Saturday, Wrexham reached their cliched Hollywood ending with promotion back to promised land of the English Football League. And as emotions poured out of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as much as the fans on the pitch, the questions began about this club’s future. So then EFL, Welcome to Wrexham. Can anyone stop them? And is the Premier League a realistic goal? Ian Irving is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Richard Sutcliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Manchester City win the treble?

Back in '99, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United won a historic treble - The Premier League, FA Cup & Champions League - Despite Roman Abramovich’s millions and the genius of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', no one in English football has been able to do it since. Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee, Amy Lawrence and Andy Mitten to discuss Manchester City's chance at Premier League 'immortality'… How much luck was involved in Man United's famous season and what would it mean to their city rivals to stop them at Wembley in this year's FA Cup final? And do Arsenal have to beat City at the Etihad this week to win the league? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broken Tottenham: How can they be fixed?

Tottenham absolutely fell apart yesterday, hammered 6-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park - they are also currently without a first team manager, director of football So where do Spurs begin with fixing all these issues both on and off the pitch? And has the club really got the ambition to compete with the very best? Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-Brooke - our Tottenham correspondent who was at St James Park yesterday - and also Tim Spiers who has also covered Spurs this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Arsenal look to take control, European race hots up & how do Leeds stop the rot?

Dan Bardell is with George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to the Premier League weekend & FA Cup semi-finals. The panel assess Arsenal's recent wobble ahead of Southampton visiting the Emirates, with Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend. We also assess the race for European qualification, analyse the latest twists and turns in the battle for survival including The Athletic's Leeds United writer Phil Hay looking into the Elland Road side's recent struggles. Plus, there's a look ahead to the action at Wembley along with our weekly trivia. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why everyone wants to sign Victor Osimhen

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is more than catching the eye this season. In fact he’s leaping higher than Ronaldo, out-scoring everyone in Serie A by some distance, and whilst he won’t be adding a Champions League medal this year, if teams want to bring him in, he’s going to cost an awful lot. So who is the man behind the mask that’s on everyone’s must-buy list? Mark Chapman is joined by Jon Mackenzie, Carl Anka, David Ornstein and James Horncastle. Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

32:29Apr 19PodcastListen
Why Chelsea & Lukaku still need each other

While Lukaku's disappointing loan spell at Inter is coming to an end, Chelsea's problems in front of goal show no signs of abating, so, is it time for a reunion? Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey to discuss... Was the infamous Sky Italia interview the last straw for then head coach Thomas Tuchel, and could Lukaku's return actually help the club's muddled recruitment strategy start to make sense on the pitch? Plus, James Horncastle reflects on the striker's time in Italy, why June 30th is such an important date in Todd Boehly's calendar and why the whole Lukaku situation may become an uncomfortably familiar one for supporters in the near future. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have Arsenal lost 'control' of title race?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton & journalist and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke. If last week at Anfield was perhaps a point gained, then yesterday at the London stadium was definitely two points dropped. Losing 'control' at crucial moments in games, have they lost control of the title race? How much has Arsenal's lack of depth in squad hurt them and what do they need to do in the summer to address this? The Athletic's David Ornstein brings the latest news on Arsenal's purist of Declan Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Man City hitting their groove, are Aston Villa heading for Europe & Roy's revival at Palace continues

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Dean Smith prepares to take charge of Leicester City for the first time away at a red-hot Man City. Elsewhere two of the Premier League's form sides meet at Villa Park as Aston Villa take on Newcastle United, plus Matt Woosnam gives us the lowdown on Crystal Palace's resurgence under a returning Roy Hodgson. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Vincent Kompany the next elite manager?

Vincent Kompany has led Burnley back to the Premier League in impressive fashion but is he destined for even greater things? Mark Chapman is joined by the Athletic's Sam Lee & Andy Jones to assess Kompany's potential to join the ranks of the elite, with Pep Guardiola already talking him up as a future Manchester City manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can Barcelona re-sign Lionel Messi?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Barcelona writer Pol Ballus and PSG writer Peter Rutzler to debate the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to Barcelona two years on from leaving. The panel assess how the La Liga side could afford a move for their former star, his relationship with the PSG supporters having been booed in recent home matches, while his name has been chanted at Camp Nou. Plus, what commercial impact could it have on PSG if he were to leave and if not Barcelona what other options are open to Messi? Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal succumb to ‘Anfield effect’

The Premier League title race stepped up a notch following Sunday's game of the season contender at Anfield as Arsenal and Liverpool shared the spoils with two-all draw. So what is it about Anfield that causes teams to slip up or sense to go out the window? How much margin for error is there now for Arsenal and City? Ian Irving is joined by Adam Crafton and Oli Kay to assess the damage for Arsenal and state of play in the title race. Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Weekend Preview: Arsenal face Anfield obstacle, Lampard returns & Newcastle full of firepower in top four hunt

Dan Bardell is alongside George Elek, Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the Easter Weekend's Premier League action. League leaders Arsenal head to Liverpool while Man City visit Southampton ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg with Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, the panel get into the latest managerial movements with Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea, plus, there's a check-in on the race for a top four finish with Newcastle moving into pole position. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lampard’s Chelsea return - does it actually make sense?

Just when you think you've said all that you can about Chelsea in one week, they appoint Frank Lampard as caretaker manager. Joining host Ian Irving to discuss Lampard's return are the Athletic's Oli Kay, Stu James and Rob Tanner. As the merry-go-round spins ever faster there's also a look at the wider managerial picture and in particular the future of Brendan Rodgers. A man with trophies and plenty of experience under his belt but why isn't be being considered for one of the big jobs available? Is it all a question of timing or are you always judged by your most recent failure? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30:56Apr 6PodcastListen
Is Jurgen Klopp untouchable?

Jurgen Klopp described himself as the "last man standing" on Monday. It was a tongue in cheek comment but equally an odd one to bring up at a time when Liverpool are, yet again this season, in a rut. So is the great man untouchable or can he rebuild his way out? Joining Ian Irving to talk through the current state of Liverpool and what Klopp can learn from his previous job as Borussia Dortmund boss it's Raphael Honigstein and Caoimhe O'Neill Produced by Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Potter’s Chelsea departure explained

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton & Simon Johnson to discuss the sacking of Graham Potter as Chelsea manager. The panel detail why Chelsea acted now, who is in the frame to take over and where might Potter end up next. There is also reaction to Brendan Rodgers leaving his role as Leicester manager - could he be in line to be the new Chelsea manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

39:52Apr 3OtherListen
Weekend Preview: Liverpool look to scupper City's Treble chances, Newcastle look to settle a score & Tottenham's turmoil deepens

As Manchester City prepare to take on Liverpool at the Etihad, join Dan Bardell, George Elek, Steve Freeth and Tim Spiers ahead of the weekend's Premier League action. The panel analyse Bukayo Saka's sensational form and ask whether he can rival Erling Haaland for the PFA Player of the Year award, Newcastle are out for revenge for Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United as well as the latest at Tottenham in a week full of incident and drama. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Klopp or Guardiola? How do you assess a manager?

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers & Oli Kay to debate how managers & head coaches in the Premier League should be assessed and rated when they are appointed. Two managers widely regarded as the best face each other in The Premier League this weekend as Manchester City & Pep Guardiola play Liverpool led by Jurgen Klopp.. Who is the better manager? Or are they just the right fit for their respective clubs? Meanwhile Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, with multiple European trophies on his CV takes on Graham Potter who got the Chelsea job following excellent work at Brighton.. How would you compare those two? Is it on trophies or overachievement? Or is it something else? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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