The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Join football tactics aficionado Michael Cox, alongside data gurus Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, as they dive into the fascinating world of strikerless formations. They discuss how these systems are reshaping modern gameplay and team dynamics. The trio analyzes the role of wing-backs versus full-backs in varying formations and highlights the tactical success stories of teams like Arsenal and Liverpool. Get insights into strategic player movements and the evolving nature of striking roles in this engaging conversation.

In this discussion, football tactics expert Michael Cox joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic's data department to dissect the 2024-25 Premier League season. They analyze statistical trends, including the recent decline in goal-scoring and the rise of counter-attacking play, highlighting teams that surprised or disappointed. The trio also explores the evolution of goalkeeping tactics, the impact of innovative managers on mid-table clubs, and the dynamics that shape today's competitive landscape in football.

Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, tactics and data experts from The Athletic, dissect the Champions League final between Inter Milan and PSG. They analyze each team's contrasting styles and how Inter's formation can challenge PSG's strategy. The discussion covers PSG's tactical evolution under Luis Enrique and their newfound pressing approach, alongside the critical roles of goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jan Sommer. Expect an insightful look into the financial models and philosophies shaping modern football as these titans clash in Munich.

In this episode, it’s alternative team of the season time!To remind you of the rules, instead of focusing on the top teams - we all pick an eleven with one player from each of the bottom 10 teams in the Premier League table (as it stands on Thursday 22nd May) and then one “wildcard” player - basically one other player from the bottom half clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producers: Mike Stavrou and Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.