The Athletic FC Podcast

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 Clarke

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

Another week of chaos at Manchester United, what’s new?Bournemouth came from behind three times to draw 4-4 with Ruben Amorim’s side in the game of the season so far at Old Trafford.Carl Anka and Adam Crafton join Ayo Akinwolere to chat about Monday night’s dramatic match.The panel also tackle a ‘hurt’ Bruno Fernandes’ comments, the captain claimed the club 'wanted me to go' in the summer.Plus, the Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke drops in to chat about the security of Thomas Frank’s position at the club after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on the weekend.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Carl Anka, Adam Crafton,Jack Pitt-BrookeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

Mohamed Salah shone brightly, coming off the bench for Liverpool in their 2-0 win over Brighton, grabbing an assist along the way.Now he heads off to AFCON with Egypt.So will Salah be back in favour at Anfield when - and if - he returns?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Pearce, David Ornstein and Ahmed WalidExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

Welcome to The Insiders, The Athletic FC’s new show digging into the off-pitch forces shaping the 2026 World Cup. Matt Slater and Adam Crafton unpack a World Cup draw that went from the surreal to the political, including surprise performances, a very prominent Gianni Infantino, and the growing influence of Donald Trump and his inner circle on football’s biggest event.Then, why this is set to be the most expensive World Cup ever. From the eye-watering cost of tickets and who can actually afford to go, to predictions about what happens next as prices rise and fans are squeezed out.Hosts: Matt Slater & Adam CraftonExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead & Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke & Paul Iliffe

Welcome to The Preview on The Athletic FC, where this week our main focus is Sunderland vs Newcastle.After nine years, the Tyne-Wear derby returns to the Premier League, with the two sides separated by just one point.Mark Critchley and Andy Jones join Matt Davies-Adams to look ahead to Sunday’s clash before turning their attention to the fixtures elsewhere including Chelsea vs Everton, Crystal Palace vs Manchester City, and Liverpool vs Brighton, where the Mohammed Salah situation rumbles on.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Mark Critchley & Andy JonesExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Jay Beale & Mike Stavrou

Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid reign is in the balance.They’ve won just two of their last eight - and player power is threatening to undermine himSo, is he on his way out?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Dermot Corrigan, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe

December is traditionally sacking season. But things feel a little different this season.So have clubs become more patient? And why?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke and Mark Critchley. James Horncastle also drops in to chat Como’s Cesc Fabregas - one of football’s most exciting up and coming coaches.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jack Pitt-Brooke, Mark Critchley. James HorncastleExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson

Aston Villa failed to win any of their first five league games this season, but have since won nine of the next 10.They’re now third in the table. So can they actually compete with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea for the title this season?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Jacob Tanswell, Liam TharmeExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou, Nick Thomson, Liam Warburton