For their supporters, the most galling aspect of Manchester United’s heavy defeat to Liverpool will be the suspicion that this wasn’t even Liverpool at their best. It really could have been much worse. So where do they go from here? Carl Anka was at Old Trafford and needs a hug. Kylian Mbappe has opened his account for Real Madrid, his brace against Real Betis gave his new team a confidence building result, but they’re still four points behind Barcelona. And Bayer Leverkusen’s long unbeaten Bundesliga run is over. Seb Stafford Bloor is back to tell us why they shouldn’t be too concerned about what happened on Saturday.  It’s all in the Great Big Monday Round-up, everything you need to know from the ten biggest leagues in the world. Well, it’s the ten leagues that I run on my FM games anyway.  Need something to read? Phil Hay’s moving tribute to Sol Bamba is, well, as wonderful as you would expect. The link is in the description and the thoughts of everyone at The Athletic are with Sol’s friends and family.   https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5737310/2024/09/01/sol-bamba-leeds-cardiff-ivory-coast/ Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Carl Anka, Seb Stafford Bloor Producer: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been quite critical of the new-fangled Champions League here and a lot of that criticism still stands, but…did anyone else watch that draw and think, “Well…it’s not perfect. It might not even be good. But it does look a bit more fun than the old way.” Plus, how did Chelsea get on against Servette? And what on earth happened to Real Madrid when they went to the Canary Islands?  Got something to say? Post it on the app or send me an email (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or, you know, write a review on Apple. Need something to read? Try Jack Pitt-Brooke on the new era of Lee Carsley at England.  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5728690/2024/08/29/england-carsley-gomes-grealish/ Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Liam Twomey, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Aleksandr Čeferin  Producer: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's DFB: Welcome to the first Giant Monday Round-Up of the season. In just ten minutes, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the weekend’s football. Like how Big Dan Burn chased Ben Brereton Diaz down the tunnel. And how Real Madrid slipped up in the Balearics. And how Bayer Leverkusen still haven’t lost a domestic game. You need this podcast, so click now and set yourself up for the week. Need something to read? What about Michael Cox on Ipswich?  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5706501/2024/08/17/ipswich-town-liverpool-tactics/ Got something to say? I bet you have. Post it on the app, send me an email (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or write a review on Apple. Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Seb Stafford Bloor, Liam Twomey Producer: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man U’s Mainoo makes England’s senior squad. Carl Anka profiles the "preposterous" player. The Premier League heads Down Under. Jacob Whitehead looks at why teams are heading to Australia. Why you should care about English football’s latest development. Matt Slater runs through what an independence regulator actually means for football. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nottingham Forest deducted four points for spending breach. Phil Buckingham has the details of the case and Paul Taylor brings Forest's furious reaction. Why isn’t Ben White in the England squad? James McNicholas tells us more about the Arsenal right back. Chelsea look to Champions League quest. Jessy Parker Humphreys previews the Blues game against Ajax. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Michael Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United are on their way to Wembley. Dan Sheldon and James Pearce were at Old Trafford for the late comeback. As are Chelsea…but only just… Liam Twomey highlights more drama between the fans, Raheem Sterling and Pochettino. And how’s Barcelona’s recovery looking? Dermot Corrigan was in Madrid to watch Barca’s 3-0 win against Atletico. Host: Iain Macintosh Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dominant Liverpool prepare for Old Trafford in style. James Pearce and Mark Critchley set us up for an FA Cup quarter final for the ages. Could Newcastle really upset the FA Cup holders? Chris Waugh wonders whether the Magpies can topple Man City. Villa beat Ajax but suffer Watkins injury scare. Tim Spiers was on hand to watch. Chelsea host Arsenal in WSL title tussle at Stamford Bridge. Jessy Parker Humphreys previews what should be an epic game. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Michael Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inter exit the Champions League. James Horncastle on the disappointment from the Serie A leaders. Sancho helps Dortmund progress. Seb Stafford-Bloor sees Sancho playing with more freedom and creativity. And why are the Premier League playing Deal or No Deal with the EFL? Matt Slater has the details on the failed funding package. Host: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal pushed to penalties by Porto. James McNicholas reacts to a wild night at the Emirates, after Arsenal advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. Barca eliminate Napoli. Dermot Corrigan on the youngsters carrying Barcelona through the competition. And, who will join them? James Horncastle gives his expectations on tonight’s Inter v Atletico game. Host: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea keep their faint European hopes alive. Simon Johnson was at Stamford Bridge to watch the Cole Palmer show. Do Arsenal have what it takes to fight back against Porto? Amy Lawrence muses on the importance of this fixture for Arsenal's season. Just how bad would a Champions League exit be for Barcelona? Alvaro Romeo speaks to James Richardson about the significance of this fixture against Napoli. Host: Tim Spiers Prods: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool and City make the title race even tighter. James Pearce and Sam Lee were at Anfield for the last PL meeting between Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola. What has the coaching rivalry meant to English football? And, is this the last straw for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea? Liam Twomey looks ahead to Chelsea’s crucial game against Newcastle tonight. Host: Mike Zimmermann Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s all eyes on Anfield for a potential title decider as Klopp takes on Pep for one last time in the Premier League. Michael Cox previews this one. Will a change in keeper upset Arsenal’s rhythm? David Raya can't play against his parent club, Brentford, so James McNicholas analyses the impact that may have. Plus all the action from the Europa and Conference Leagues too Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man City’s European dominance continues. Sam Lee was at the Etihad to watch a much changed City continue their Champions League defence. Real Madrid make unconvincing progress. Guillermo Rai brings his take on an unspectacular show from Los Blancos. How will Liverpool negotiate their date in Prague? It's bad timing for Klopp's kids with City at the weekend but, as James Pearce tells us, key players are on the way back. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Michael Zimmermann Exec Prod: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's DFB: The United States look like they've got their man. Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to manage the USMNT. Paul Tenorio lets us know what he thinks of that. La Liga is underway and we were watching how last season's surprise package Girona got on (spoiler: not as well as they might have hoped...)  Plus, what's happened to poor Oscar Bobb? Need something to read? Check out James Horncastle's brilliant preview of the new Serie A season. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5697570/2024/08/15/horncastle-serie-a-preview-2024-25-juventus-inter-roma/ Got something to say? I bet you have. Post it on the app, send me an email  (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or write a review on Apple. Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Paul Tenorio Producer: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kane keeps Bayern in Europe. Seb Stafford-Bloor reflects on Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win against Lazio to progress them to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Mbappe gives another masterclass. Peter Rutzler talks about Kylan Mbappe carrying PSG to the UCL quarterfinals. Plus Haaland answers those contract rumours. Sam Lee on whether Manchester City fans should be worried. And, Real Madrid chase their 15th Champions League trophy. Guillermo Rai is at the Santiago Bernabéu. Host: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal continue their rampant form. James McNicholas was at Brammal Lane for the Gunners’ 6-0 win. Bayern need to turn it around in the Champions League. Seb Stafford-Bloor describes the mood around Munich. And why is Mbappe not playing so much football anymore? Peter Rutzler explains Luis Enrique’s reasoning. Host: Abi Paterson Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester stays Blue as Foden shines for City. Sam Lee on Foden being the big game player for City this season. United feeling blue as they lose ground on the Champions League places. Laurie Whitwell on the crucial race for the top 4. And why did Real Madrid see red in Valencia? Mario Cortegana explains the latest refereeing drama in Spain. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Paul Pogba’s career over? James Horncastle tells us what’s next for the Juventus midfielder. Do United have a prayer in the Manchester derby? Mark Critchley previews the cross-town matchup. And what’s got Ronaldo riled in Saudi Arabia? Nick Miller explains Ronaldo’s suspension. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool and Manchester United book an FA Cup showdown. Carl Anka watched United scrape through against Forest while James Pearce saw Klopp's kids prove they are more than alright. James also brings us up to speed on Liverpool's search for a Sporting Director. Chelsea made life difficult for themselves against Leeds. We tell you why Taylor Swift is causing Real Madrid to move their final match of the season. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Michael Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain MacIntosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newcastle squeak through to the FA Cup Quarter Finals. Chris Waugh reflects on a match that saw the Premier League side struggle against Championship opposition. Jack Grealish limped off as Erling Haaland scored five. Sam Lee watched Manchester City cruise past Luton. Pochettino fights back at stumbling Chelsea. Ahead of their match against Leeds, Liam Twomey analyses the Chelsea manager's epic answer in their pre match press conference. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Michael Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain MacIntosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everton’s points penalty is reduced. David Ornstein on why it was decided to reduce the penalty but also what still lies in store for the Toffees and Nottingham Forest. Newcastle look to turn the tide as they face Blackburn in the FA Cup. Chris Waugh previews the tie.  Real Madrid close in on another Galactico. Rafael Honigstein has the story on Alfonso Davies' proposed move. Host: Tim Spiers Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool win the League Cup. James Pearce reacts to Jurgen Klopp’s youth movement in the biggest game of the season so far. Another Wembley defeat for Chelsea. Liam Twomey thinks Pochettino’s side showed mental weakness on Sunday. And how did Manchester United lose to Fulham at home? Carl Anka was at Old Trafford. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool and Chelsea face off at Wembley. James Pearce and Liam Twomey give their insight leading up to the Carabao Cup final. A grudge match for Arsenal. Amy Lawrence thinks Arsenal is looking for revenge. And can Bayern Munich win a football match? Seb Stafford-Bloor on the struggles of Bayern. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool survive a Luton scare to go clear. Caoimhe O'Neill was at Anfield to watch the drama unfold. A late Champions League blow for Arsenal. James McNicholas saw Arsenal succumb to a last minute winner in Porto. Napoli begin life under their third coach of the season. James Horncastle assesses the size of the task in front of Francesco Calzona despite their draw with Barcelona. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision for Manchester United. Adam Crafton reports back on what Ratcliffe had to say with some of it causing a stir. Thomas Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season. Raphael Honigstein discusses whether Xabi Alonso may be tempted by a move to Munich. Host: Adam Leventhal Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's DFB: How much trouble are the rest of La Liga in this season? On the evidence on the European Super Cup....lots of trouble. They haven't gelled yet, but they were still good enough for a comfortable win over a tricky Atalanta side. Pol Ballus is here to politely weigh up the chances of their rivals. Plus, what's going on at Chelsea today? And who are Arsenal looking to sign? Need something to read? The Athletic's F1 mid-season preview is well worth your time. The second of the season could be absolutely fascinating, so click the link below to whet your appetite. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5696095/2024/08/13/f1-midseason-review-best-driver-race-moments/ Got something to say? I bet you have. Post it on the app, send me an email (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or write a review on Apple. Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Pol Ballus Producer: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is finally in at Man Utd. Laurie Whitwell on what this means for the club moving forward. Arsenal take their buzz into the Champions League. James McNicolas is in Porto and previews Arsenal’s Round of 16 tie. And La Liga tightens its financial screw on Barcelona. Pol Ballus has the latest on Barca’s financial troubles. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s standoff time as Ashworth goes on gardening leave. Laurie Whitwell and Chris Waugh have the latest on the future of Newcastle’s sporting director. Glasner appointed as Hodgson says bye to Crystal Palace. Matt Woosnam reacts to the news. And it’s a third manager of the season for the Italian champions. James Horncastle on Napoli’s struggles. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Thomas Tuchel on his way out at Bayern? Raphael Honigstein has the latest on the German manager. The Premier League title race takes another turn. Sam Lee and Simon Johnson react to the 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Chelsea. And, are PSG already phasing out Mbappe? Peter Rutzler on the future of the French star after being left out of the starting XI on Saturday. Host: Mike Zimmermann Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kylian Mbappe is leaving PSG. Peter Rutzler on the impact this will have. How will PSG cope without him? David Ornstein thinks they will have a long list of replacements. And is he destined for Real Madrid? Mario Cortegana has the latest between Mbappe and Madrid. Plus, Chelsea and Manchester City men and women’s teams face off this weekend: Liam Twomey describes Chelsea’s ups and downs against the top teams in the Premier League. And Charlotte Harpur previews the huge clash in the WSL. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kane’s quest for silverware hits another snag as Bayern fall to defeat against Lazio. Rafael Honigstein was in Rome watching it all unfold. Kylian Mbappe leads PSG to victory over Real Sociedad. Peter Rutzler tells us all about the brilliant night for the Frenchman. Chelsea want Lyon’s manager to replace Emma Hayes. Charlotte Harpur broke the story and brings the details. Host: Tim Spiers Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Man United look to poach Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth. David Ornstein has the story as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS look to rebuild United. Man City survive a brief scare in Scandinavia as Real Madrid edge Leipzig. Sam Lee was in Copenhagen as City's title defence continues and Mario Cortegana was in Germany. Can Bayern really find their consolation in the Champions League? Mark Carey runs the rule over tonight's Champions League fixtures. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea leave it late at Selhurst Park. Simon Johnson was on hand to watch the Blues fight back against Crystal Palace and move up to tenth. The Champions League returns. Which games should you be excited about and who are the favourites? Michael Cox previews the round of 16. Is it now or never for Mbappe to Real Madrid? Mario Cortegana has the latest on the French striker's saga. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arsenal hit six and Man United hit form. Laurie Whitwell tells us if the race is on for Champions League qualification. Bayer put Bayern in their Bundesliga place. Seb Stafford-Bloor raves about Leverkusen’s performance. And Ivory Coast are AFCON champions. Jay Harris is in Abidjan for the celebrations. Host: Michael Bailey Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Title showdown in La Liga. Pol Ballus on the atmosphere leading up to the crucial game in Spain between Real Madrid and Girona. Are Manchester United in a Champions League race? Mark Critchley and Joey D’Urso on the top 4 race between Aston Villa and United. A blockbuster weekend in Serie A. James Horncastle previews the key matchups in Italy. And two heavyweights battle for AFCON supremacy. Jay Harris ahead of Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea romped to a 3-1 victory away at Villa Park in the FA Cup and repay Pochettino’s trust in his team. It was the performance of the season, says Simon Johnson. Read about it all here. It’s Nigeria against Ivory Coast - take two - at AFCON. Jay Harris breaks down how both teams got to the Final. Bayern Munich travel to Bayer Leverkeusen this weekend, Seb Stafford Bloor begins the Bundesliga build up. Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Pros: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's DFB: Are Liverpool going to be ok without a big money signing? Is it a worry that they haven't made one? We've borrowed James Pearce from Walk On. Plus, we ask Chris Waugh from Pod on the Tyne where Newcastle are with their pursuit of Marc Guehi...and could they be the dark horses this year? It's pretty much just me asking that one.  Plus, what happened in those European qualifiers and were there any shocks in the League Cup? Need something to read? Mark Carey has done a long read on the tactical evolution of the Premier League and it's so well written and accessible that even I understand it. Just click the link in the episode description. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5695766/2024/08/13/premier-league-tactical-development/ Got something to say? I bet you have. Post it on the app, send me an email (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or write a review on Apple. Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: James Pearce, Chris Waugh Producer: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poch on pressure at Chelsea. As rumours swirl around the Chelsea boss' time at the club, Liam Twomey tells us what the man himself had to say on it all. Read about it all here. AFCON readies itself for the semi finals. Maher Mezahi previews the games. VAR controversy ahead of pivotal match in Spain's title race. Dermot Corrigan brings us up to date ahead of Real Madrid v Girona this weekend. Host: Adam Leventhal Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s ominous from Man City; the title is back in their own hands. Michael Cox was at the Gtech Community Stadium to watch City come back from behind to beat Brentford. Read his thoughts here Who’s on Barcelona’s shortlist to replace Xavi? Dermot Corrigan mulls over the Catalan club's options. It’s getting messy for Messi-less Miami. Paul Tenorio is following Inter Miami around the globe. Read more about it here Host: Michael Bailey Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Stavrou Exec Prods: Ben Green and Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Lawrence tells us about the significance of Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Liverpool, while James Pearce analyses an error-strewn and lacklustre performance by the Reds. Carl Anka reports from Old Trafford where Manchester United put in their best performance of the season in beating West Ham 3-0. Have Erik ten Hag's side turned a corner...again? And Matt Davies Adams, host of our Straight Outta Cobham podcast, says the locals are growing restless after Chelsea's woeful 4-2 defeat at home to Wolves. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The transfer window… softly shuts. David Ornstein runs through the key deadline day deals  Man United survive a late scare from Wolves. Laurie Whitwell was at Molineux to watch Marcus Rashford return to the starting XI and Kobbie Mainoo steal the headlines. Weekend previews including Amy Lawrence on why Arsenal v Liverpool is so integral to the Gunners' season and James Horncastle on the bitterest derby in Italy. Podcasts to listen to: Talk of the Devils, The Athletic Football Podcast, The Totally Football Show Host and Producer: Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool run riot at Anfield and maintain their five point lead at the top of the Premier League. James Pearce watched young Conor Bradley make history in a good way and Darwin Nunez in a less than ideal manner. Read about the match here. Spurs into the top four after a feisty win over Brentford. There were darts celebrations all over the place and Charlie Eccleshare was across it all. Get the match analysis here. Rashford returns for United. Erik ten Hag has declared the Rashford situation as "case closed" and Dan Sheldon is on hand to explain why this one is different to Sancho's. The full story is here. Host: Tim Spiers Producers: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Subscription offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Premier League returns. James McNicholas saw Arsenal move back into second in the table with a win over Forest. While George Caulkin was on hand for Newcastle's second away win of the season, at Villa Park. Read about Arsenal here and Newcastle here As Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield. Liam Twomey previews what is sure to be an emotive match. The Transfer window nears it’s climax. David Ornstein has his one to watch. You can join The Insiders group here and read David's story about Michael Edwards here Host: Adam Leventhal Producers: Abi Paterson and Mike Zimmermann Exec Prod: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As deadline day on the January transfer window looms, David Ornstein has the top five stories you need to know. Join The Insiders WhatsApp group here. The AFCON hosts trump the holders. Shock as previously unbeaten Senegal lose in penalty shootout to Ivory Coast. Jay Harris watched it happen. Mikel Arteta is going nowhere. James McNicholas reacts to the good news for Arsenal fans and previews the Gunners' game against Nottingham Forest. Host: Adam Leventhal Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who are the contenders to replace Klopp at Liverpool? James Pearce lists the qualities Liverpool will be wanting in a new manager. Why is Xavi leaving Barcelona? Laia Cervello on the Barca legend leaving after the season. Why was Rashford left out of United’s squad? Dan Sheldon has the details. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Ben Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool have announced that Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as manager at the end of the season. After a hugely successful eight and a half years at the club, Klopp will take a sabbatical. So what next for him, and what next for Liverpool? The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce reacts to this seismic news. Host: Iain Macintosh Producer: Mike Stavrou  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spurs look to spoil silverware for City. The FA Cup fourth round is underway and Jack Pitt Brooke previews the big match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Chelsea strengthen up top. Charlotte Harpur has the details on two very exciting stories that are sure to relieve Chelsea women fans. Plus we have the key fixtures this weekend. Host: Mike Zimmermann Producer: Abi Paterson Exec Prod: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's DFB: Will there ever be a day when we ask Chelsea correspondent Liam Twomey how it's going and he says, "Yeah, it's pretty quiet actually." Thank goodness he's here to help out. Laurie Whitwell is on too, he's got the latest on Manchester United's shopping trip to Bavaria. Plus, what happened when Luton met Burnley? Is Vinicius Junior going to Saudi Arabia? And who was the first EFL manager to leave his job? Need something to read? Adam Crafton had a one-on-one with Wolves manager Gary O'Neil and it's a fascinating insight into the mindset of one of the Premier League's most underrated managers. Just click the link in the episode description. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5691699/2024/08/12/premier-league-wolves-oneil-interview/ Got something to say? I bet you have. Post it on the app, send me an email (imacintosh@theathletic.com) or write a review on Apple. Presenter: Iain Macintosh With: Liam Twomey, Laurie Whitwell Producer: Charlie Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liverpool face Chelsea at Wembley again. James Pearce watched the Reds get through to the League Cup final. Barcelona crash out of the Copa del Rey. Laia Cervello reacts to yet another defeat for Xavi's men. AFCON hosts Ivory Coast through to knockout stages but sack their manager mid tournament. Jay Harris has the details. Host: Adam Leventhal Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The January window hots up in the Premier League with three internationals potentially on the move. David Ornstein has the latest rumours and transfers. Plus, Sam Lee on why Kalvin Phillips didn’t work out at City. Chelsea are on their way to a cup final. Liam Twomey was at Stamford Bridge for the semifinal. But will Liverpool follow? James Pearce on how Liverpool’s squad are ready for Fulham. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Benzema set to follow Henderson out of Saudi Arabia? Guillermo Rai has the details on the transfer window's most surprising story of the day. Confusion over Mo Salah’s injury. Simon Hughes is at the Africa Cup of Nations and has the latest on the Liverpool forward's status. Chelsea prepare for their biggest game of the season. Liam Twomey previews the Blues semi final second leg against Championship side Middlesbrough. Host: Tim Spiers Producer: Mike Zimmermann and Abi Paterson Executive Producer: Iain Macintosh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices