The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Mark Carey, a tactics writer at The Athletic, Liam Tharme, a football analyst, and Michael Cox, an experienced tactics journalist, dissect the latest drama in the Champions League. They explore Liverpool's tactical reset against Real Madrid, discuss whether their new compactness can withstand Man City's attacks, and analyze Bayern's aggressive press that led to victory over PSG. The trio also examines Barcelona's defensive woes and celebrates surprising performances from teams like Newcastle and Galatasaray in this thrilling European landscape.

Mark Carey, a tactics writer for The Athletic, Liam Tharme, a football tactician, and Michael Cox, an experienced football journalist, discuss Liverpool's recent struggles. They delve into tactical breakdowns, emphasizing Liverpool's poor starts and the challenges of new signings adapting to the system. The guests analyze pressing issues, the impact of fixture congestion, and whether a shift to a back three could stabilize performance. They also ponder if this season is a transition year for the club and explore Mohamed Salah's evolving role in the team.

Michael Cox, a tactical analyst, discusses the historical context and downfall of the 4-4-2 formation. Liam Tharme analyzes modern coaching implications, emphasizing the need for fluidity and adaptability over rigidity. Mark Carey highlights successful past uses at clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, while noting the impact of globalization and evolving player profiles. The panel debates why the formation has faded in today's game, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and considers whether variations still hold relevance.

Ilkay Gündoğan, the former Manchester City and Germany midfielder, shares insights on his time under Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. He reflects on the tactical intricacies of Guardiola's possession play versus Klopp's pressing style. Gündoğan discusses his evolution as a player, the role of midfielders, and adapting to a demanding training regimen. He touches on the importance of scanning and awareness in midfield, his goal-scoring tactics, and what his future in football may hold, including aspirations in coaching.

Join Mark Carey, tactical analyst, Liam Tharme, football writer, and Michael Cox, renowned tactician, as they dissect the delicate balance between star players and team structures. They debate whether Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish should fit into Thomas Tuchel's England squad based on their system needs. The discussion touches on how international managers adapt to available talent, the evolution of player roles, and the risks of over-reliance on superstar talents in modern football.

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cox, a tactical analyst known for his detailed insights, joins Mark Carey, a data-driven football writer, and Liam Tharme, a tactical commentator, to discuss the impressive performance of this season's promoted Premier League clubs. They explore how strategic recruitment and a shift towards pragmatic tactics have contributed to their success. The discussion covers the importance of solid defenses, the impact of key recruitment at clubs like Sunderland, and concerns about sustainability for teams like Burnley and Leeds, along with current relegation candidates.

Michael Cox, a tactics writer with deep insights into Guardiola-era football, joins Mark Carey, a tactics analyst who connects statistics to tactical changes, and Liam Tharme, a football tactics journalist. They dive into Pep Guardiola's defensive philosophy change, analyzing his cautious approach against Arsenal. The discussion ranges from whether Arsenal truly dominated, to City’s possession trends and their adaptation of players like Haaland. They also explore the broader tactical implications of Guardiola's evolving strategy and the psychological chess among top managers.

This week’s conversation dives into the startlingly low Premier League goal count, with only 19 goals across 20 matches. The hosts explore how the influx of new signings may be disrupting team cohesion and attacking strategies. They highlight specific examples from clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea, showcasing integration challenges and tactical shifts. A lively quiz adds fun, while discussions around coaching dynamics, squad size, and player fit provide deeper insights into the current season's sluggish start.

Mark Carey, a data expert at The Athletic, and Liam Tharme, a tactical analyst, delve into the evolution of pressing in football. They explore how teams like Arsenal and PSG excel in sophisticated pressing techniques that focus on collective defense. The duo discusses the strategic shift from simple ‘closing down’ to complex tactics, highlighting metrics for measuring effectiveness and the impact of high pressing on player fitness. They also touch on the importance of adaptability and the role of young coaches in modern football strategies.