Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

Chelsea 6 - 3 Leeds United. Did you think that was going to be the final score when Brendan Aaronsen put Leeds 2-0 up just after the restart? Chelsea did end up thrilling in Leeds comeback, but are they too reliant on Xabi Alonso’s A team? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Sam Parkin and Simon Johnson for company to look back an incredibly entertaining night in the Carabao Cup - and look ahead to Hull City on the weekend! Get in touch: Email: soc@theathletic.com X: @SOCobhamPod Straight Outta Cobham is The Athletic's dedicated Chelsea show bringing you the very best coverage from behind the scenes at Chelsea. Twice a week, host Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey, Simon Johnson, Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin to bring you expert analysis, news and insights. Subscribe now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another defeat for Chelsea at the Emirates, but did Xabi Alonso’s side show they’re closer to Arsenal’s level than they have been in quite a while? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic’s Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher for company to look back on the 2-1 defeat by the reigning Premier League champions - and look ahead to the visit of Leeds in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday evening. Plus, Chelsea Women got their WSL off to a frustrating start, held to a 1-1 draw by Aston Villa. And - can you name a player who’s donned the shirt of Chelsea, Leeds - and Everton? HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was late deadline day drama as Enzo Fernandez’s move to Manchester City was finally confirmed - but the arrival of Lamine Camara collapsed in spectacular fashion at the last moment. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Sam Parkin and Liam Twomey for a look back on the closing of the transfer window - and a look ahead to Sunday’s first huge test of the season as Chelsea make the trip across London to face champions Arsenal. Plus, Mudryk trying not to be Spursy, a fresh start for Rob Sanchez in Como - and the start of the WSL season! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea made it back-to-back wins to start the Premier League season in front of a raucous Stamford Bridge - courtesy of a chaotic 4-3 victory over Brighton. Matt Davies-Adams has Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin for company to look back on the incredibly entertaining win for Xabi Alonso’s side - which showed off the Blues’ attacking prowess, but reiterated the need for more solidity at the back. We’ve got a full breakdown on Sunday’s game, plus the latest on the futures of Enzo Fernandez and Robert Sanchez with the transfer window closing in less than 36 hours. *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea progressed to the third round of the League Cup courtesy of a 2-0 win over Luton Town. Next up, old friends Brighton in the Premier League! Matt Davies-Adams has got Sam Parkin and Luke Bosher for company following the big news that the Blues have agreed a £7.5m deal to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa. So, is Martinez the player to turn Chelsea into serious contenders? How positive are the early signs under Xabi Alonso? And with the Enzo Fernandez saga seemingly coming to a head following his absence from the squad on Thursday night - do the club have enough midfield cover to cope without him?! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea kicked off their Premier League campaign in style (mostly thanks to a 3-2 victory over Fulham, with Cole Palmer back to his dazzling best but alarm bells ringing again after Robert Sanchez’s errors in goal. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic’s Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for all the fallout from Craven Cottage - plus a look ahead to Thursday’s visit of Luton Town in the second round of the League Cup. Plus - memories of Chelsea’s last cup meeting with the Hatters, the potential transfers of Liam Delap and Mykhailo Mudryk - and another shirt with a connection hanging on the back of Matt’s door… *An apology for the shoddy quality of audio since we have made the swap over to YouTube - this is hopefully sounding a lot better for you! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson & Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Chelsea head into the 2026-27 Premier League season as serious contenders for titles again? Matt Davies-Adams has got The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Luke Bosher alongside him for a look ahead to Monday's trip to Fulham as Xabi Alonso's reign in charge officially begins. Plus - a closer look at the players the Blues are still hoping to shift in the closing stages of the transfer window, some broader predictions about the season as a whole - and big news off the pitch with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter in talks to sell their shares in the club to Clearlake Capital. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Premier League season begins in a week - and there's a sense of belief back at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher for a look back on Xabi Alonso's victorious first game in front of the home fans in SW6. How well equipped are the Blues heading into Monday's game with Fulham? Did Morgan Rogers live up to the hype? How did the new-look defence perform? What next for Enzo Fernandez? And how genuine is the interest in Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly?! We'll be back on Thursday for our official build-up to the short trip to Craven Cottage as the season begins under the lights on Monday evening. 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham 🚨 AND JOIN OUR FPL LEAGUE! https://fantasy.premierleague.com/en/leagues/auto-join/p4nqo2 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks to go... Matt Davies Adams is joined by The Athletic's Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey for a look back on Chelsea's pre-season tour exploits following a final two matches in the Far East over the weekend. We dissect the 3-0 win over Milan and the feisty 3-3 draw with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim - before a wider look at the main learnings for Xabi Alonso in their time on the road. Could 'unicorn' Marco Palestra prove to be the signing of the season? Will Mike Penders be content to play back-up to Rob Sanchez? And should we be worried about the feelings of a clear A and B team amongst the squad? Plus, we bid farewell to Cobham kid Trevoh Chalobah - who's signed for Cesc Fabregas' Como, ending a near 20-year association with the club. And - why Pep Chavarría could prove to be one of the Blues' most influential acquisitions. We'll be back on Monday as we reflect on the visit of Real Sociedad AND gear up for the official return of the Premier League season! 🚨 WE'RE NOW ON YOUTUBE! https://www.youtube.com/@StraightOuttaCobham Watch every show via our YouTube channel from Monday 17th August. Plus, plenty of other content/ trivia/ quizzes/ ways for you to have your say. 🚨 AND TIKTOK! https://www.tiktok.com/@outtacobham HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A ban resolved, three players in and a £10m fine… so a pretty quiet week from a Chelsea point of view. Plenty to discuss for Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin as Mikhailo Mudryk is officially back and eligible to play for the Blues again. The 25-year-old’s ban has ended with immediate effect after his doping case was resolved on Friday. Will there still be a place for him in the team? Do we think Cole Palmer will give him his Number 10 shirt back? There are three new incomings with Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Maxence Lacroix all joining the club, but are the Blues now under pressure to make sales to get the squad size down? Meanwhile, Chelsea have been fined £10m for breaching rules relating to payments to agents, but have avoided a six point deduction. AND there’s still even time to chat about matters on the pitch, with Xabi Alonso’s side losing 2-1 to Tottenham in Sydney over the weekend. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pre-season is officially underway and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to talk about it. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Cerys Jones and Simon Johnson from Down Under as the Blues start the Xabi Alonso era with a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia. A nine minute hattrick from Joao Pedro with lots of strong performances from youngsters. So what did the panel make of it all? And what are Simon’s first impressions of the new boss? Dom Fifield joins to give a little more insight into the benefits of signing Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. And Chelsea are close to signing both Jordan Henderson AND Danny Welbeck. Where has this interest in players over 34 come from? And does it signal a change in strategy at the club? Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morgan Rogers is going to Chelsea instead of Arsenal and the Straight Outta Cobham team are here to lap it all up. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Simon Johnson and Liam Twomey as the Blues set a new British transfer record of £117m to sign the England attacking midfielder from Aston Villa. How have they managed to pull this one off? And just how will Rogers fit into Xabi Alonso’s new look squad? The new boss has spoken to the media for the first time. What does the panel make of what he had to say? And, now the World Cup is over, we assess who the winners and losers are from a Blues perspective… Enzo Fernandez being the biggest loser of course. Plus, the team reflect on the life of legendary former owner Ken Bates, who passed away at the age of 94. Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s three years since a Chelsea great passed away which means it’s only right for a Straight Outta Cobham special. Gianluca Vialli joined Chelsea as a player in 1996 and went on to become one of the club’s most significant figures of the pre-Abramovich era. He helped the Blues win the FA Cup in 1997, before taking over as manager the following season and winning both the League Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. In this special episode, Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Sam Parkin are joined by Luca Dal Monte, a close childhood friend of Vialli’s and author of the new book “The Gentleman: Gianluca Vialli and How He Changed English Football Forever”. Produced by Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xabi Alonso has made his first official signing as Chelsea manager and Real Madrid have got the Straight Outta Cobham team scratching their heads again. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss Marco Palestra’s arrival from Atalanta. What might it mean for both Reece James and Malo Gusto? Will Enzo Fernandez still be Palestra’s teammate at the start of the season? Real Madrid make an official statement saying they have "no intention" of trying to sign the Blues midfielder this summer, but is there still more to come? Plus, the team go through the final element of our summer squad audit: wingers and number 10s. Will not going to the World Cup be a good thing for Cole Palmer? And is Garnacho potentially on his way out? Produced by Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enzo Maresca is officially the new Manchester City manager and, while the rest of the football community pretends to be shocked, Chelsea release a blistering statement about how disappointed they are in their “former head coach”. Matt Davies-Adams, Cerys Jones and Sam Parkin react to another tumultuous couple of days at Stamford Bridge, and discuss where this all leaves the club now everything is fully in the open. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of transfer news with the Blues closing in on Atalanta full back Marco Palestra, whilst also having bid for Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka rejected. All this plus the conclusion to our squad audit where the team discuss who, apart from Joao Pedro, should be playing up front for Chelsea next season. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part three of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s summer squad review and it’s time to sort out who on earth’s going to be playing in midfield for the Blues next season. Enzo Fernandez is the main name on the lips of Matt Davies-Adams, Simon Johnson and Cerys Jones. Is he off to Real Madrid? And if so, is it going to take all summer to happen? Might a disappointing World Cup for Ecuador be a good thing for Moises Caicedo? What does the future hold for Andrey Santos and will Romeo Lavia ever complete 90 minutes in a Chelsea shirt? The team also look into the fixture schedule for next season and discuss the compensation situation that’s complicated Enzo Maresca’s inevitable switch to become Manchester City manager. Produced by Lucy Oliva & Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marc Cucurella is on his way to Real Madrid and he’s timed it perfectly just ahead of the Straight Outta Cobham team’s review of Chelsea’s defensive unit. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin to discuss what the Spaniard's exit might mean for the rest of the squad. Is Jorrel Hato the main benefiter at left back? How might Xabi Alonso get the best out of captain Reece James next season? Will it be with a back three? And might that be good news for Malo Gusto? The team also look into the many options at centre back, who they think should stay and go, and also who they might like to see arrive in the transfer window. Produced by Lucy Oliva and Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer is here and it’s squad review time for the Straight Outta Cobham team. Matt Davies-Adams is joined by Liam Twomey and Cerys Jones to discuss all things goalkeepers. Has it been the weakest position during the BlueCo era? And how might they go about fixing it? Will Robert Sanchez still be between the sticks next season or is Mike Penders the answer? It’s not going to be either Filip Jorgensen or Gaga Slonina… they’re both on their way out. Might there be incomings in their place? The team are also joined by special guest Rupert Cane, author of “Behind the Bench: The untold stories of Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeepers”, who tells us about the unique perspective of one of football’s strangest roles. You can buy a copy and donate to Rupert’s Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/behindthebench/behind-the-bench/description All this, plus the latest on Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. Produced by Xavi Bird and Lucy Oliva. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Cup pending... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin alongside him for our first podcast of the summer break. And we're taking a deep-dive into the Chelsea FC representation at the 2026 World Cup - with the first game of the tournament kicking off in just a week and a half. Plus, what about some of the high-profile Blues who won't be out in Mexico, Canada or the USA this summer? We discuss what a break will mean for the likes of Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, back at Cobham and working with new boss Xabi Alonso. We've also got the latest transfer chat - as it's emerged that Marc Cucurella could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge - but could there be a glorious return to the fold for Nicolas Jackson? And what about an approach for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers?! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Signing off on a sorry season... Matt Davies-Adams has got the whole SOC squad alongside him for a round up of the 2025-26 season for Chelsea Football Club. What are the main takeaways and reflections on this crazy campaign? What does not being in Europe mean from a financial perspective? Who have been the big winners and losers in the squad? And what's top of Xabi Alonso's to-do list heading into the summer?! We'll be with you throughout the summer with squad audits, mailbags, academy check-ins, CFC at the World Cup - and assessing the rather large job the new boss has got on his hands! Thanks for all your continued support and for joining us throughout the season. Take part in our survey and let us know what you want from SOC going forward! forms.gle/S7Qdv1iPPnaemtps7 HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson, Cerys Jones, Liam Twomey & Sam Parkin PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.