The Athletic FC Podcast

England have extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract beyond the 2026 World Cup. So why has this happened now, and with sacking season in full flow, how does this impact the wider managerial market? Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Tim Spiers & Oli KayExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead & Guy ClarkeProducers: Jay Beale & John Rogers

Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.Former Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira is in pole position to succeed Dyche and would follow on from Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou as the other men to have taken charge of Forest this season.Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, can a fourth manager of the season save Forest from the drop?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after a miserable eight months in charge.A run of just two league wins in 17 Premier League matches spelled the end for the Dane.So who do they turn to next? And can that person fight off the very real threat of relegation?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Dan KilpatrickExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still making headlines.This time, he’s fallen out with his club, Al-Nassr.So why is he unhappy?And what does the future hold for the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Horncastle, Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton

After trailing at Anfield Manchester City flipped the script and beat Liverpool with goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland.So after the dramatic ending, is the title race back on?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Sam Lee and Simon HughesExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe

This week — The Athletic FC Tactics podcast dive into the world of weather. How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch? From the rainy, cold and windy nights at Stoke.To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.We’ll discuss it all.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'NeillProducer: Mike Stavrou

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Liverpool vs Manchester City.Mark Carey & Jay Harris join Matt Davies-Adams to preview Sunday’s clash, with City looking to keep the pressure on at the top, as Arsenal have the chance to go 9-points clear when they host Sunderland the day before.Elsewhere around the league, Spurs head Old Trafford, Brighton face Crystal Palace in the feisty M23 derby, and down the bottom there's a relegation 6-pointer as Leeds take on Forest.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Carey & Jay HarrisExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale & John Rogers

2026 hasn’t started well for Crystal Palace. Their captain sold, 12 games without a win and sliding down the table.So, how much danger are Palace in?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Matt Woosnam and Dom FifieldExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Arsenal are through to the Carabao Cup final after a 4-2 win on aggregate over Chelsea.So how significant would a first trophy in six years be for Mikel Arteta and his side?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James McNicholas, JPBExecutive Producers: Adey Moorhead, Guy ClarkeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton