Podcast Summary: The Athletic FC Podcast — "Are Newcastle over Isak already?"

Date: October 22, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimolere
Featured Guests: Chris Woff, Ollie K, Andy Jones

Episode Overview

This episode examines Newcastle United’s adjustment following Alexander Isak’s high-profile move to Liverpool and analyses whether new signing Nick Voltamada is proving to be a better fit. The panel discusses Newcastle’s contrasting form in the Champions League and Premier League, the impact of squad changes, Liverpool’s struggles to get the best from Isak, and the broader structural changes at Newcastle aimed at bridging the gap with elite clubs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Newcastle’s Uplifting Champions League Form

[02:49-05:41]

• Newcastle’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Benfica marked back-to-back wins in the Champions League group.

• The team has scored seven and conceded none across these two games, sitting in a strong position to qualify for knockout stages.

• Chris Woff highlights the contrast to two years ago when Newcastle couldn’t escape a “group of death,” underlining the improvement.

  “Big win for Newcastle in the Champions League. Back to back victories in that competition for them. Seven goals scored, none conceded... puts them now in a fairly strong position to hopefully progress.” — Chris Woff [03:04]

• Special praise for goalkeeper Nick Pope, whose unconventional assist led to a key goal.

  “The Pope assist. His first ever in professional football. More than 400 games and he really struggles with his feet.” — Chris Woff [04:13]

Wingers Stepping Up & Champions League vs Premier League Performances

[05:41-06:58]

• Mourinho’s post-match comments praised Newcastle’s “horsepower” out wide, singling out Anthony Gordon as man of the match.

• Ollie K and Chris Woff agree: wingers have made a difference in Europe but have struggled for impact in league matches.

  “The performance and particularly the output from the wingers has been a concern in the Premier League... but it’s certainly working very well for them in the Champions League.” — Ollie K [05:56]

Difficulties in Premier League—Life After Isak

[06:58-09:19]

• Newcastle’s Premier League form is disappointing, currently 14th after a defeat to Brighton.

• Main issue is lack of offensive output and creativity post-Isak, with Nick Voltamada still adapting and contributing five goals across all competitions.

• Nick Voltamada described as more of a linking forward than a traditional number nine despite his physical stature.

  “Nick Voldemort has come in… Five goals for the club. Four in the Premier League. One in the Champions League… He almost looks like more of a number 10 in some capacity than a center forward, despite being 6'6." — Chris Woff [07:16]

Voltamada’s Impact and the Newcastle Attack

[09:19-12:34]

• Panel discusses how Voltamada has exceeded initial expectations given alternatives pursued in the transfer window.

• His technical skill, relaxed confidence, and unique personality are helping him quickly build a connection with supporters.

  “He’s a big man but he’s got great feet... I think he’s more of a link-up player really than a goal scorer... He’s adapted to his new surroundings and not looked phased.” — Ollie K [09:45] “He seems very relaxed, he seems confident in what he can do without being arrogant.” — Chris Woff [11:02]

• Early signs of cult status among fans, helped by Voltamada’s individuality and Newcastle’s need for a new hero after Isak’s departure.

  “He’s already… they have chants for him already and they really do love and embrace that. And I think because he is different in some ways or looks different and plays in a completely different manner, fans will grasp on that.” — Chris Woff [12:48]

Importance of Squad Consistency & Midfield Core

[13:33-15:41]

• Despite new signings, club’s progress is still anchored by players from previous seasons.

• Eddie Howe is actively balancing consistency with gradual integration of new recruits.

• Tonali’s long-term contract extension is a signal of stability and ambition.

  “Sandrio Tonali… Newcastle essentially have Sandro Tonali tied down till 2030. That doesn’t stop talk of his future… but it does make that the need to set time to a new deal less immediate.” — Chris Woff [15:41]

Isak at Liverpool: Early Struggles and Complicated Adaptation

[19:12-29:22]

• Alexander Isak’s start at Liverpool after a £125m move has been underwhelming: 382 minutes, 11 shots, only one goal so far.

• Andy Jones outlines a lack of service, missed preseason, and broader Liverpool dysfunction as core challenges.

  “Ultimately at the moment he's feeding on scraps in a team that aren't functioning very well at all.” — Andy Jones [19:41] “They were not signing for the first six weeks, they were signing for six years type thing.” — Andy Jones [21:21]

• Liverpool’s system has not been set up to maximize Isak’s strengths, especially with attacking wingers like Salah and Gakpo who are themselves primary goal threats.

  “It looks a bit confused really what Liverpool are trying to do... The impact Ekitike had made early on probably reduced the pressure on Slot to throw Isak straight into the team. But also increased the pressure on Isak to make an impact when he did.” — Ollie K [22:43]

• The panel draws parallels and distinctions with Isak’s earlier adjustment to Newcastle, noting that Liverpool have not been able to tailor their system around him as Newcastle eventually did.

• Suggestion that Isak’s forced absence in preseason and the circumstances of his Newcastle exit have hampered his physical and tactical readiness.

  “He Newcastle regularly asked him if he wanted to come back to train... he didn’t want to do that… that has had a negative impact on his own physical fitness and then his ability to immediately step up to the highest level which at Liverpool is even higher than Newcastle United.” — Chris Woff [24:39]

• Liverpool’s No. 9 role is described as historically tough, with few recent players thriving there amid changes in system and supporting cast.

• Early chemistry with Florian Wirtz is noted as a possible avenue for Isak to improve.

The Challenge of Too Many Good Forwards at Liverpool

[29:22-30:29]

• Panel wonders if Liverpool’s attacking abundance is now a problem for manager Arne Slot: hard to maximize everyone’s strengths, especially with so many high-profile, expensive forwards.
• “Too many good players not to get it right” might itself pose tactical dilemmas.

Newcastle’s Structural Changes: Building for the Future

[33:00-39:26]

• Off-pitch changes: new CEO David Hopkinson, new Sporting Director Ross Wilson, new Technical Director (“Suds”) brought in to overhaul Newcastle’s data usage.

• The club sees bridging the data and analytics gap (as exemplified by Liverpool and Brighton) as essential due to financial fair play constraints.

  “Suds, his role is to make sure that he… sort out the algorithms and the use of AI and the data models that Newcastle can use to make it bespoke for them and for their needs and demands going forward.” — Chris Woff [33:12]

• Newcastle’s Saudi owners, PIF, dictate an urgent and scientific approach to catch up swiftly — emphasizing “objectivity added to the decision making process everywhere.”

• Ross Wilson’s record (Nottingham Forest) noted as positive sign for better decisions and recruitment.

  “The appointments that they've made. Ross Wilson is a really bright guy… If they're going to improve their recruitment and the ongoing work… his addition will be very important.” — Ollie K [37:46]

Looking Ahead: Fixture Run and Hopes for Consistency

[39:26-41:25]

• Newcastle’s upcoming fixtures include domestic and European ties with Fulham, Spurs, West Ham, Athletic Club, Brentford, Manchester City, and Marseille.

• The panel’s outlook: positive Champions League form can’t mask stuttering league performances. Consistency remains the key challenge.

  “But they've got a run of home fixtures... where they could really start to build up and progress. If they can get wins in those two then suddenly… they look like they're in a far stronger position. But we've said it a few times this season… it's been quite stop start.” — Chris Woff [39:51]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The irony is that... Pope, he does struggle with his feet but he has always been very good at distributing with his hands. This was remarkable. I've never really seen anything live like this.” — Chris Woff [04:13]

• “Because he also...he’s really into fashion. He posts loads of things on Instagram about that. It’s just some of his expressions and the way that he acts on the field. He’s already been adopted in that way.” — Chris Woff on Voltamada’s off-field personality [12:48]

• “Ultimately at the moment he's feeding on scraps in a team that aren't functioning very well at all... But the problem is when you come in with a price tag like he has the chance he gets against Manchester United for example, where he goes through on goal, you know, ultimately you've got to sort of be putting those chances away.” — Andy Jones on Isak’s slow Liverpool start [19:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:49] Start of main discussion: Newcastle’s Champions League win
• [05:41] Mourinho’s praise & winger contributions
• [06:58] Premier League struggles and Voltamada’s adaptation
• [09:19] Panel deep-dive: Voltamada vs. other summer signings
• [12:34] Voltamada’s cult status with fans
• [13:33] Retaining squad core & Tonali’s contract status
• [19:12] Focus shifts to Isak at Liverpool
• [22:19] Can Isak’s situation improve at Liverpool?
• [26:25] The challenge of Liverpool’s No. 9 role and relationship-building
• [29:22] Are Liverpool’s attack options a blessing or a curse?
• [33:00] Off-pitch changes at Newcastle: new directors and data revolution
• [39:26] Newcastle’s fixture run and future prospects

Conclusion & Takeaways

• Newcastle have made significant progress in Europe but remain a work in progress in the league, wrestling with how to reinvent their attack after Isak’s departure.
• Nick Voltamada has impressed quickly with both goals and personality, crushing early doubts.
• Isak’s struggles at Liverpool are attributed to systemic issues, lack of acclimatization/preseason, and a lack of bespoke tactical adaptation — but the panel expects ultimate improvement in time.
• Off the pitch, Newcastle are making executive and technical changes, heavily prioritizing data-driven decision-making as they aim to bridge the gap to Europe’s elite clubs.
• Both clubs are in transitions: Newcastle searching for consistency, Liverpool seeking identity amid a glut of attacking riches.