Share
The Athletic FC Podcast
Ronaldo leaves, Man Utd for sale, Saudi Arabia humble Messi & Argentina
•
Day three of the World Cup started with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina 2-1, and ended with the news that Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United, the Glazers have put Man Utd up for sale, oh and England captain Harry Kane is having a scan on his ankle ahead of Friday's game vs USA.
Here to reflect on all of that is the Athletic's Adam Leventhal, who is joined by Matt Slater following his trip to the Saudi/Qatar border to look at that shock result amid the backdrop of Messi's commercial relationship with Saudi Arabia, plus Matt gives us his expert view on how things will play out at Man Utd now the Glazers have effectively announced they want to sell.
We also hear from David Ornstein, Adam Crafton and Laura Williamson on Cristiano Ronaldo's second tenure at Old Trafford finally coming to an end and what it means not just for his world cup but for the rest of his career.
Plus we get the latest on the Harry Kane injury situation from our England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke
More episodes
View all episodes
Klopp, Gundogan & Grimsby's chuffed chairman: Our guests of the season so far
37:16|Today, we’re shining a light on those outside The Athletic - we’ve had plenty of guests on the podcast this season and these are the highlights. You’ll hear from a former England goalkeeper, a Man City legend, and about a manager who has everyone’s attention!Host: Ayo AkinwolereProducer: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Abi Paterson
The Preview: Arsenal vs Aston Villa
53:32|Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Arsenal vs Aston Villa.After their impressive victory at Stamford Bridge can Unai Emery take his side level on points with his former employers or will Mikel Arteta get revenge just three weeks after Arsenal's 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.Carl Anka and Stu James join Matt Davies-Adams to reflect on the festive action so far and look ahead to Tuesday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Sunderland vs Manchester City, Chelsea vs Bournemouth, and Brentford vs Spurs.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Carl Anka & Stu JamesExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay BealeThe Athletic meets... Jesse Marsch
44:49|Today we bring you an exclusive interview with Canada head coach, Jesse Marsch. Speaking to writers from The Athletic in New York, including Adam Crafton and David Ornstein, Marsch sets out his ambitions for Canada, why getting out of the group isn’t enough, and how he’s been building the team with the 2026 World Cup firmly in mind.Marsch reflects on his time in the Premier League, the realities of modern football, and the short-term thinking that defines the game. He also shares his thoughts on Erling Haaland, who he managed, and why he believes the striker is the best in the world.With: Adam Crafton, David Ornstein, Laura Williamson, Paul Tenorio and Josh KlokeProducer: Paul IliffeExec Producer: Adey MoorheadThe biggest moments of the 2025/26 season so far
44:29|We’re nearly halfway through the season and already it’s been one to remember. From Liverpool’s record-breaking transfer window, Forest’s own-personal managerial merry go round and the departure of Daniel Levy.Join us on a trip down memory lane.Host: Ayo AkinwolereProducer: Nick ThomsonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonHow Morgan Rogers is driving Villa's unlikely title charge
35:55|The Premier League presented a Christmas cracker of a weekend of football.From Morgan Rogers’ magic in Aston Villa’s win over Manchester United, to Spurs’ red cards in their defeat to Liverpool.And… after Wolves lost once again - are they the worst Premier League team ever?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Jack Pitt-Brooke to dissect all of the action.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Adam Crafton, Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Paul IliffeAre Everton ready to kick on under their US owners?
41:56|A year ago on Friday, Everton's takeover was complete.Since then the club has been rejuvenated. So how far can they go under the David Moyes and The Friedkin Group?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Patrick Boyland, Greg O'Keeffe and Leon OsmanExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
The Preview: Spurs vs Liverpool
39:48|Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool.Cerys Jones and Reuben Pinder join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Saturday's clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Aston Villa vs Manchester United, Newcastle vs Chelsea and Arsenal vs Everton.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Cerys Jones & Reuben PinderExecutive Producers: Abi Paterson & Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay BealeOrnstein exclusive: Maresca among Man City options if Guardiola leaves
32:30|David Ornstein reports that Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is high on the list to replace Pep Guardiola with the anticipation of this being his last season at Manchester City.It comes less than a week after Maresca's outburst following Chelsea's recent home win over Everton.If Guardiola were to leave it would bring to an end a trophy-laden 10 years in charge at the Etihad.Host: Adam LeventhalWith: David Ornstein, Oliver Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Simon JohnsonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducer: Guy ClarkeAFCON 2025: 'Fired up' Salah, favourites and surprise packages
42:56|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 AkinwolereGuests: Jay Harris, Simon Hughes, Chris HughtonExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Paul Illife