The Athletic FC Podcast

On this week’s episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, the panel discuss the roles and responsibilities of caretaker and interim managers.Manchester United have been busy this week, with Ruben Amorim gone. So how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term?And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cerys Jones, a seasoned football journalist with sharp insights on the Premier League, and Reuben Pinder, a tactical expert and transfer analyst, join for a lively discussion. They dive into Arsenal's frustrating draw with Liverpool, dissecting Jorginho's struggles and the team's finishing woes. The conversation takes a turn to managerial pressures, with Thomas Frank's future in question and Chelsea's discipline issues under scrutiny. Plus, they touch on exciting recruitment strategies at Bournemouth and the heated relegation battle involving West Ham.

Join Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee and former midfielder Michael Brown as they dissect City's recent struggles, including a frustrating draw against Brighton. The duo explores Antoine Semenyo's potential impact, analyzing his fit in Pep Guardiola's dynamic plans. They also delve into City's transfer strategy, discussing financial implications and competition among players. With concerns over squad fatigue and defensive issues, can City rally to catch Arsenal in the title race? Tune in for insights from those who know the game best!

In this discussion, football experts Tom Williams, Simon Johnson, and Matt Slater dive into Liam Rosenior's recent appointment as Chelsea's head coach. Tom shares insights on Rosenior's successful tactics at Strasbourg and his ability to develop young talent. Simon elaborates on Chelsea's tumultuous history with managerial changes, while Matt explores the implications of the club's multi-club ownership model. The conversation highlights the immediate pressures on Rosenior and the challenges of maintaining club identity amidst external influences.

David Ornstein, a senior football journalist at The Athletic, and Carl Anka, a football correspondent, dive into the chaos at Chelsea and Manchester United with the swift departures of Maresca and Amorim. They discuss why elite managers still pursue high-profile jobs despite structural issues. The duo explores United's confusion over its sporting structure, potential interim options, and long-term managerial searches. Additionally, they dissect Manchester City's transfer targets like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi, alongside Arsenal's strategy for the window.

David Ornstein, a senior football reporter for The Athletic, Mark Critchley, a keen on-the-ground football journalist, and Oliver Kay, a tactical analyst, discuss the recent sacking of Ruben Amorim by Manchester United. They explore the explosive press conference that sealed his fate and the underlying tensions with club hierarchy. The panel also delves into Amorim's disappointing win record and the implications for United's structure and future leadership. Plus, they ponder potential managerial replacements and the broader consequences of this upheaval.

David Ornstein, an investigative football correspondent, shares the inside scoop on Enzo Maresca's tumultuous departure from Chelsea. Simon Johnson dives into the club's internal dynamics and raises concerns over professionalism. Mark Critchley provides a match preview for Chelsea's daunting challenge against Man City while Beren Cross analyzes Leeds' clash with Manchester United. The group also discusses tactical shifts, player absences, and the upcoming fixtures, mapping out a weekend full of excitement in the Premier League.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Stockwood, the ambitious Chairman of Grimsby Town FC, shares insights into their data-driven recruitment strategies and the exhilarating upset over Manchester United. He emphasizes the club's pivotal role in rejuvenating the community. Meanwhile, Jürgen Klopp reflects on life beyond coaching, revealing his newfound flexibility and advisory work with clubs like Leipzig and Paris. Both guests provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of football from unique perspectives.

Carl Anka, a keen football writer, and Stu James, a seasoned journalist, dive into the thrilling Arsenal vs Aston Villa clash. They dissect Unai Emery's tactical changes after Villa's notable win at Stamford Bridge and explore Arsenal's struggles in securing victories. The conversation highlights Villa's ability to adapt in tough situations and the stakes of the match for both teams in the title race. They also discuss injuries that could impact Arsenal's performance and speculate on the match's potential dynamics.

Jesse Marsch, the American football coach currently leading Canada’s national team, shares his ambitious vision for the 2026 World Cup. He emphasizes that simply getting out of the group stage isn’t enough and reflects on building players’ mentality through past experiences. Marsch critiques modern football's short-termism and discusses the need for patience in club management. He also highlights the importance of nurturing Canadian talent and adapting coaching strategies for international competition, all while praising Erling Haaland’s exceptional skills.