The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Michael Cox, a respected football tactics writer, joins fellow analysts Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect the contrasting styles of Italian managerial giants Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte. They delve into Ancelotti’s adaptable coaching versus Conte's dominance in domestic leagues. The discussion also touches on Ancelotti's upcoming challenge with Brazil, the tactical innovations shaping Italian football, and the dynamic between individual player capabilities and team strategies in modern football. Insights into tactical evolution and psychological strategies are featured throughout.

Dive into the thrilling highlights of the Champions League semi-finals! Experience the drama of Inter's 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona, with tactical insights and standout players stealing the spotlight. Discover how Arsenal’s long throws aim to exploit PSG's defensive frailties, while they simultaneously grapple with their own set piece dilemmas. Plus, a glimpse into the strategies and dynamics shaping the upcoming final between Inter and PSG, where contrasting styles promise an electrifying showdown.

On this week’s show, we analyse the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We’ll discover how PSG’s press nullified Arsenal, and discuss probably the game of the season so far — Barca’s thriller against Inter.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re looking at an incredibly tight race in the Premier League to seal European football for next season.And we’ll discuss which of those teams are best set-up for success.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look back at the Champions League quarter finals. We also look ahead to the semi-finals and discuss the merits of Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Internazionale and Barcelona.If you want more on Inter, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2296a4 For our bonus PSG episode, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2c3d48Or watch here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5AzIuR_cU For a bit on Barcelona, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/27b242 Host: Michael BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Mark Carey, Thom Harris and Michael Cox.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re focusing on French footballing identity.And we’ll attempt to discover why there is a lack of French managers across Europe’s top leagues.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Tom WilliamsProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG.They’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the first side to win the title unbeaten.They’re also in the final of the Coupe de France and face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week.So how has Enrique made them so dominant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.We’ll break down how a team who flirted with relegation last season have become one of the most difficult sides to play against in the division. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re focusing our attention on the metrics which win you football matches - other than goals and assists.We’ll talk second balls, duels and explain what coaches are actually watching on those tiny screens on the touchline.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football.German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week. So we’re going to reflect on some of the great, and not so great, examples of foreign international managers and ask whether the impact they had in the past still applies today?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.