The Athletic FC Podcast

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Laurie Whitwell to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo's interview where he criticised the club & his manager. Is this the end for him at Old Trafford? Greg O'Keefe then tells us the challenges Frank Lampard faces in turning round Everton who seem to be slipping into another crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Rich Amofa as well as bet365's Steve Freeth ahead of the final weekend of Premier League action prior to the World Cup. Chelsea's visit to Newcastle is top of the bill before looking ahead to Nathan Jones' Southampton start away at Anfield, before discussing Wolves welcoming Arsenal to Molineux. Plus there's reaction to the latest in the Cristiano Ronaldo fiasco ahead of Manchester United taking on Fulham. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Adam Leventhal is joined by Jack Pitt-Brooke and Jay Harris for reaction to Gareth Southgate naming his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The big news is Leicester's James Maddison is finally in the squad, plus a surprise inclusion for Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, as well as a place for Newcastle's in-form striker Callum Wilson. There's a look at how those three will feature during the tournament, plus discussion of Harry Maguire's role in the team, whether Sterling will keep his place, how you get the best out of England's many attacking options, and we pick our starting XI for the game against Iran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman & The Athletic's George Caulkin sit down with Martin O’Neill to talk about his new book On Days Like These and his life in football. As well as discussing the numerous career highs, Martin also shares his regrets during managing in the Premier League. Martin talks about the charisma of playing in Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest team & about his time as manager of the Republic of Ireland at Euros in 2016, when they made it to the second round for the first time in their history. On Days Like These – My Life in Football by Martin O’Neill is published by Pan Macmillan, 10 November Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand's 3-part documentary series, 'Tipping Point' aims to find real solutions to the racism, homophobia and mental health crisis which plague our sport... prior to its release, Rio sat down for an honest conversation with The Athletic's Roshane Thomas on the current state of play. Host Dan Barnes is joined by Roshane and editor Richard Amofa to keep that conversation going. Over the course of this episode you'll hear the interview with Ferdinand, but also from Wilfried Zaha, Romelu Lukaku and Josh Cavallo, as our panel evaluate football's progress. Rio Ferdinand’s Tipping Point is available on Prime Video from Friday 11 November Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein & senior football news writer Matt Slater to discuss the latest on FSG's decision to explore an exit from Anfield. Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes shares his thoughts on the decision too, giving insight into the American consortium's reign at Liverpool over the past 12 years and the impact the decision to sell could have on manager Jurgen Klopp. Plus, the panel explore who could be interested in buying Liverpool as well as analysing the short-term impact on the sporting side of things at Anfield. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In breaking news, The Athletic's David Ornstein reveals Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has put Liverpool up for sale. Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton & Jacob Tanswell to discuss the breaking news that Southampton have sacked manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. Adam also discusses his new podcast series Away From Home, where he follows Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk's during their champions league campaign whilst their country is at war with Russia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, The Athletic's Tim Spiers and bet365's Steve Freeth as Arsenal head to Chelsea in the weekend's standout Premier League game. The panel also look ahead to Liverpool's visit to Tottenham following Antonio Conte's first anniversary in charge of Spurs. Plus there's a look ahead to Unai Emery starting his reign at Villa Park against Manchester United, including some trivia, as well as Man City v Fulham & Everton v Leicester. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The group stages of the Champions League are now over & despite pulling various levers Barcelona have not qualified for the knockout stages Mark Chapman is joined by Spanish football journalist Alvaro Romeo & The Athletic’s Oliver Kay to discuss what has gone wrong & what are the financial consequences of being eliminated? And with stalwarts Atletico & Juventus also being eliminated, does a less predictable Champions League make for a better competition and weaken the argument for a European Super League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur writer and Serie A expert James Horncastle to analyse one year of Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from winning their Champions League group to make it through to the last 16 of the competition, the panel comment of Spurs' style of play under the Italian as well as the mentality he has instilled, helping to get the best from Harry Kane. Given the uncertainty over Conte's long-term future as well there is debate into the likelihood of him remaining in north London while also considering any potential return to Juventus? Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka to explore why 14 years on from Uriah Rennie's last Premier League game, he remains the only black referee in Premier League history... What are the major obstacles that continue to prevent aspiring male and female officials - from marginalised or ethnic communities - from reaching the Premier League? The cost, the abuse, and how much progress has been made in recent years - following a 2021 FA initiative to combat the problem head on. We'll hear from Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a former semi-professional referee and author of Your Show, written in collaboration with Rennie, as well as, Russell Hoyte, who helps semi-professional referees navigate their way through the ranks. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's James Pearce to discuss What is going wrong at Liverpool & the financial implications on missing out on a top four place. We’ll hear how Manchester United are weighing up changes to their goalkeeper department and the future of David De Gea - Laurie Whitwell joins us. And David Ornstein will tell us about the MLS club who are confident of signing Lionel Messi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth as Man City look to leapfrog Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and Graham Potter returns to Brighton with his in-form Chelsea side. Following Unai Emery's return to the Premier League the panel give their take on the Spaniard taking over at Aston Villa, as well as Villa's visit to Newcastle United. The panel also discuss Liverpool v Leeds at Anfield with the Reds in need of kickstarting their campaign while pressure being to mount on Jesse Marsch. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman sits down with Sean Dyche who is looking to return to being a football manager after nearly ten years with Burnley - including seven seasons in the Premier League. Sean outlines why his brand of football is sometimes misunderstood, explains why Pep Guardiola compared facing Burnley to visiting the dentist & what he is looking for in his next role & the moment in football be wished he could live again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Aston Villa writer Gregg Evans and Pol Ballus to discuss Unai Emery's appointment at Aston Villa. The end of Steven Gerrard's reign is analysed prior to look at what Emery will bring with him to Villa Park having taken Villarreal to Europa League success as well as last season's Champions League semi-finals since being sacked by Arsenal in 2019. Spanish football writer Dermot Corrigan also gives his view from Spain as well as the tactical ideas Emery may look to instil at Aston Villa. Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Merseyside football writer Simon Hughes, editor Dan Barnes and author Jimi Jagne, to discuss the issues facing Everton, in light of revelations about John Bramley-Moore (after whom the site of their new stadium is named) and his involvement in the slave trade... The panel detail Bramley-Moore's connections to the horrors of slavery in Brazil and handle many uncomfortable truths relating to how the City of Liverpool prospered from men like him - as well as, how local authorities are trying to confront these aspects of their past. Plus, a frank assessment of Everton's response, and how a problem inherited may also present a unique opportunity to lead new discussions around racism in football. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Phil Hay to share his insight on the future of Jesse Marsch as Leeds manager - could he hang on till after the World Cup? Our Newcastle writer Chris Waugh details how Eddie Howe has turned his side into top four contenders as he approaches a year in charge. Dan Bardell tells us what went wrong for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and who he'd like to see as their new manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, Bet 365's Steve Freeth and the Athletic's Tim Spiers to look ahead to all the action in the Premier League this weekend. We start with reaction to Aston Villa sacking Steven Gerrard on Thursday night, with Villa fan Dan very pleased with the decision, before moving on to the big game at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening between Chelsea and a Ronaldo-less Manchester United. There's also a look at Spurs v Newcastle, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Manchester City v Brighton and Leicester v still managerless Wolves Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell & Jack Pitt-Brooke to reflect on Manchester United's comfortable win over Tottenham that was overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle after being an unused substitute. What did this performance tell us about Erik ten Hag’s influence on his United side? What does the defeat say about Spurs nearly a year into Antonio Conte’s tenure as manager? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Dom Fifield and Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam to discuss and dissect Crystal Palace's start to the new Premier League season. After making it three unbeaten against Wolves on Tuesday night we explore how the South London club continue to evolve under Patrick Vieira, the key men on the pitch including Eberechi Eze and Wilfried Zaha, plus what does the future hold at Selhurst Park? Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman presents a special report from The Athletic's Tim Spiers who, over the weekend, was granted an all-access, behind the scenes pass on a match day in the life of a professional footballer... With special thanks to both Omar Beckles and Leyton Orient FC, Tim was invited into the Grenada international defender's home for breakfast with his family, right through to moments before kick-off in the home dressing room for this 'fly-on-the-wall' insight into what it's really like. We learn about the pressures of victory and defeat on a young family, the duty Omar and his teammates feel towards their local community, how important match-day routine and diet have become and also about the role of his faith in his career. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee & Oli Kay to reflect on that titanic battle that saw Liverpool see off Manchester City at Anfield. Pep Guardiola suggested afterwards that his side get a bit of a raw deal at Anfield - is he right? Also, we’ll cross to Spain to look back on an El Clasico victory for Real Madrid that puts Barcelona manager Xavi under pressure with The Athletic's Deromot Corrigan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek and bet 365's Steve Freeth as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool look to get their Premier League campaign back on track up against Pep Guardiola's Man City. Steven Gerrard's position at Aston Villa has been up for debate ahead of Chelsea heading to Stamford Bridge. Plus Newcastle United visit Old Trafford looking to upset Manchester United, meanwhile, will Tottenham finally provide style as opposed to substance up against Everton? Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Nottingham Forest writer Paul Taylor and Nick Miller to delve into exactly what is going on at Nottingham Forest, having made more than a splash on their return to the Premier League. 22 new signings, just one win in nine and having sacked their recruitment team, Forest are certainly making up for 23 years away from the Premier League. Steve Cooper's position is also analysed as well as Senior Writer Daniel Taylor taking a look at Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman and The Athletic's Adam Leventhal present a special report into the Kanjuruhan stadium disaster in Malang, Indonesia on October 1st. When a pitch invasion escalated, as tear gas was fired onto the pitch and into the stands by Police, several locked exits led to a crush and the death of 131 people. Adam later provides an update on the independent investigation into what happened, the government's response, FIFA's involvement and the search for justice which will feel all too familiar for many UK football fans. * Please be advised that this episode contains reporting that some people may find disturbing. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein to detail how have things turned out round so quickly at Arsenal & the role of manager Mikel Arteta and the increasing influence of technical director Edu. In contrast, our Liverpool writer James Pearce explains the challenges for Jurgen Klopp as he tries to turn things at Anfield. The Athletic Manchester United writer, Laurie Whitwell shares his thoughts on what he saw of Casemiro who was man of the match in victory over Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell is joined by George Elek, bet 365's Steve Freeth and The Athletic's Tim Spiers to preview the weekend's Premier League action, with a big focus on Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates. There's also a look at Erling Haaland's incredible run of form before getting stuck in to Brighton v Tottenham, Everton v Manchester United and Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd. All this plus the meeting on Monday night of two managers under increasing pressure as Steven Gerrard takes his Aston Villa side to the City Ground to take on Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater & Phil Buckingham to look at ahead to preparations for the World Cup in Qatar in just 45 days time. Is the country ready for the influx of people from both an accommodation & security point of view? What do Qatari residents feel about the attention the World Cup has brought to their country and the scrutiny it has been under from those who have highlighted human rights and environmental abuses in the host nation. Also, what will the knock on effect be in the Premier League in terms of players returning to their clubs ahead of a busy Christmas schedule and just before the January transfer window. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by Senior Football Writer Oli Kay and Liverpool Reporter Andy Jones to analyse Liverpool's start to the new season. Whilst the European recovery continued at Anfield on Tuesday night, seeing off Rangers 2-0, the Reds remain 11 points off the pace in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's visit to league leaders Arsenal. We explore the on-pitch issues that have led to Jurgen Klopp's side struggling to build momentum this season as well as explore the off-pitch transition within the recruitment team. Having replaced Michael Edwards as Sporting Director in the summer, Julian Ward oversaw Mohamed Salah's contract extension, the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich as well as the potentially club-record arrival of Darwin Nunez, but have the Reds done enough in the transfer market to keep pace with Man City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey and German Football expert Raphael Honigstein, to explore RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku's prospective move to Chelsea in the summer... Where he would fit in, the inevitable questions about 'Bundesliga tax', whose feathers will be ruffled in Potter's existing squad, a potential attacking duo of Nkunku and Lukaku and why the new owners have elected to pay over the odds now, rather than wait til next Spring. Plus, an assessment of his strengths, character, form and whether the next superstar to arrive in the Premier League from the Bundesliga, will ultimately turn out to be more Haaland or Werner? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein. They discuss Man City's demolition of United with The Athletic's Sam Lee with news on a new contract on the cards for Phil Foden. The Athletic's Wolves writer Steve Madeley tells has all the details as to why Bruno Lage was sacked and we hear how the influence of agent Jorge Mendes at the club who could be lined up as the Wolves manager. David also has news on Chelsea's pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth to get stuck in to a massive weekend of Premier League football, with the North London derby, the Manchester derby and a crunch encounter in the East Midlands between Leicester and Nottingham Forest the pick of the bunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's data writer Maram AlBaharna & former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to explain the numbers and facts behind Granit Xhaka's journey to leading his side to the top of The Premier League having been close to leaving and the focus of fierce criticism in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Irving is joined by the Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Oli Kay to reflect on Monday night's 3-3 draw at Wembley between England and Germany. It was a spirited comeback for Gareth Southgate's side but big question marks remain over the inclusion of Harry Maguire, whether Foden fits into this system, whether Bellingham has nailed down a starting berth, whether Saka should start, and why Trent Alexander-Arnold is seemingly out in the cold, to name but a few. All these issues and more discussed, plus JPB and Oli pick their starting XIs for England's opening world cup encounter against Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Premier League legend Eric Cantona sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss a range of topics including his offer to become President of Manchester United, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, his thoughts on David Beckham's promotion of the World Cup in Qatar the possibility of World War and his connection with England. Eric also shares the inspiration behind that iconic goal celebration, that kick and why he is both humble & arrogant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers and Bet 365's Steve Freeth for a look ahead to a big weekend of international football which will feature significant tests for Gareth Southgate's England and Rob Page's Wales just two months out from the world cup. Will Southgate put his faith in Bellingham? Will out of form Maguire and Shaw retain their starting spots? Who takes the no.1 shirt in Pickford's absence? The international break also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the Premier League, so the panel cast their eye on how the title race and relegation battles are shaping up after seven games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by commentator Robyn Cowen and author Dr Carrie Dunn to look ahead to a big weekend of WSL action where we will be treated to Arsenal v Spurs, Liverpool v Everton, and Chelsea v Man City. We discuss why Manchester City has got itself into the state it has, why Manchester United were able to get ahead of Spurs, and what to expect from the big derby matches in the men's stadiums. All that plus a debate on the best kick off time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s Rafa Honigstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke & James Pearce to detail the battle between clubs such as Liverpool & Manchester United to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. Also we hear why, despite impressive performances in the Champions League, Bellingham isn't sure to start for England at this year's World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes sits down with The Athletic's Adam Crafton for an exclusive in-depth conversation on topics ranging from Bruno's mindset and attitude when on the pitch, his view of why life under Erik ten Hag started so badly, how it's turned around so quickly, how it feels to be handed the captain's armband, and his relationship with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. There's also fascinating insight from Fernandes on how he uses the referee as a reference for finding space on the pitch, his thoughts on what went wrong for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, why it didn't go well for Ralf Rangnick, and much more besides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Iriving is joined by The Athletic's Sam Lee to discuss the two sides to the Jack Grealish debate – and why they are both right. Andy Naylor explains how and why Brighton appointed Roberto de Zerbi as their new manager. Nick Miller on the mounting pressure on Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper & Leciester City boss Brendan Rodgers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Jay Harris to look ahead to all seven games this weekend as the Premier League returns from a week off. There's a big game on Friday night between two promoted sides Nottingham Forest and Fulham, can Forest pick up some points to match their promising performances of late, or will Mitrovic be too much for that leaky defence? There are question marks over Son's place in the Spurs team as they get set to take on Leicester, Brentford take on Arsenal with Ivan Toney looking to celebrate his England call-up with a big performance, and there's a big game for Steven Gerrard as Aston Villa look to back up that point against Man City with a positive result at home to Southampton on Friday night All that plus Wolves v Man City, Everton v West Ham and Newcastle v Bournemouth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein & Spanish writer Dermot Corrigan to discuss Robert Lewandowski; the reasons he left Bayern Munich & what he offers Barcelona. Also, how do the Barcelona & Bayern Munich compare off the pitch and which club is the greater attraction for elite players. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Spurs and England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke to talk about Marcus Edwards; the 23-year-old English forward lining up against his former club Spurs in the Champions League... Plus, tactics writer Michael Cox is on hand to assess whether Christophe Galtier's PSG are any more balanced than in previous years, as well as, Neymar's imperious form less than two months from the start of the Qatar World Cup. Senior Writer Oli Kay also joins to discuss some fascinating parallels between Klopp's current floundering Liverpool and Arigo Sacchi's great AC Milan side of the late 80s. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A day on from Chelsea's sacking of Thomas Tuchel, Adam Leventhal is joined by David Ornstein and Simon Johnson to analyse how things turned sour at Stamford Bridge. And with Graham Potter's arrival close to confirmation, we ask why the new Chelsea ownership regard him as the key man for the Blue's next decade. Plus, what next for Tuchel - and how do Brighton prepare for life after Potter? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have sacked Thomas Tuchel after a string of disappointing results and performances at the start of the new season. Join Mark Chapman, David Ornstein and Liam Twomey as they discuss why tensions have been increasing since the US tour, what this might mean for new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and which manager they could to turn to next. [This episode of the Athletic Football Podcast was originally broadcast as a live stream] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Pol Ballus to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's deadline day return to the Premier League under the spotlight... Where does the 33-year-old goalscorer fit in, six years on from being coached by Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund, and how will his arrival impact Sterling, Havertz & Mount? Xavi's reluctance to sell at Barcelona, Auba's status at London-rivals Arsenal and a case of some unfinished business in the Premier League. Plus more on Todd Boehly's first transfer window since the Chelsea takeover and the shared desperation/chaos/bad-planning that kept drawing Barcelona and Chelsea together throughout the summer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Andy Naylor to explain how Graham Potter’s Brighton sold their best players and improved. Alongside him, our Leicester writer Rob Tanner tells us why Brendan Rodgers is safe for now but is on thin ice. Elsewhere, with Diego Costa set for a medical at Wolves, we hear what if anything he has left in the tank from The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan, Jack Land & Wolves writer Steve Madeley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by the Athletic's Tim Spiers for a look at the pick of the Premier League fixtures this weekend, there's the Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime which should feature the returning Darwin Nunez, and could see new signings debut for both teams. Chelsea made a late move for Aubameyang, will he come straight in against West Ham and make an impact? Plus there's a look at Aston Villa v Manchester City, a daunting prospect for under pressure Steven Gerrard. All that plus Man United v Arsenal, and the increasingly beleaguered Brendan Rodgers takes his Leicester side to high flying Brighton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic's Matt Slater and Phil Buckingham join Mark Chapman to look at a transfer window where the Premier League blew its European competition out the spending waters. So much so that players are choosing to come to England rather than stay at their clubs and compete in Europe's elite competition: the Champions League. The how and why of that is explained here. Plus there's a discussion on the Super League, what forms it could take should Europe want to compete with the Premier League, and whether we prefer juggernauts doing well but don't want to admit it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble & Peter Rutzler for a deep dive into why Bournemouth sacked Scott Parker as manager. Details include the relationship between Parker & the players, his relationship with the board and ownership, what happened inside the club in the after the nine nil battering by Liverpool and of course what who will take over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.