The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Michael Cox, a revered football tactics writer at The Athletic, along with Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, dive into why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United is failing. They discuss the challenges of adapting player roles and the systemic issues in defensive organization. The trio debates whether a rigid system can succeed and highlights the importance of tactical flexibility for team performance. They also compare United's approach to Chelsea's, pondering how tactical familiarity influences success in the Premier League.

Dive into the intriguing journey of academy players stepping up to professional football. Explore the tactical hurdles they face and how mentorship shapes their success. Discover the evolving landscape of youth development, contrasting past legends with today's rising stars. The challenges of Premier League transitions and the vital balance between education and football are also unpacked. With real-life examples, this discussion sheds light on the complexities of nurturing football's future talents.

Michael Cox, a renowned football tactics writer, joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic’s data department to discuss the Premier League's nostalgic return to classic football. They dive into the rising prominence of long throw-ins and traditional No. 9s, exploring how newly promoted teams are making their mark. The trio debates the changing nature of physicality in football, with a focus on striker roles and recruitment strategies, challenging the myth that taller players always have the edge. Tune in for tactical insights that remind us of the game's roots!

The podcast dives into the tactical shifts ahead of the Premier League season. Listeners get insights on Liverpool's evolving strategies and Spurs' pragmatic approach under new management. The discussion highlights challenges for teams like Brentford and Manchester United, as well as the dynamics of newly promoted clubs. There's a focus on Aston Villa and Bournemouth's tactical prospects. The impacts of player movements and managerial changes add layers of excitement for football fans anticipating a thrilling season.

Join Liam Tharme, a data expert at The Athletic, and Jacob Whitehead, a seasoned writer, as they delve into the transformative England DNA Project. They unpack the shift from past tournament failures to a renewed cultural identity under Gareth Southgate. The conversation highlights the importance of tactical flexibility, youth development, and adapting lessons from the Lionesses' incredible success. With insights into player strengths and strategies, they paint a hopeful picture of England's football renaissance.

Jacob Whitehead, a writer for The Athletic, dives into the transformative world of football analytics. He discusses how data analysis has changed tactical approaches and recruitment strategies in the sport. Jacob reveals insights on the success rates of player signings and the balance between data and traditional scouting. He highlights the role of video analysis in evaluating defenders and the innovative contributions of figures like Sarah Rudd, who enhance understanding of player performance through advanced methodologies. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of football!

Jacob Whitehead, a football writer for The Athletic, teams up with Juraj Vrdoljak, a Croatian football journalist, to dive deep into Croatia’s remarkable rise in international football. They discuss how a small nation produced a golden generation, featuring stars like Luka Modric. Their conversation highlights the critical role of Dinamo Zagreb in nurturing talent and the impact of competition on player development. They also reflect on the emotional journey of Croatia's national team and the challenges of sustaining success as key players age.

Jacob Whitehead, a Football writer for The Athletic, and Liam Tharme from the tactics and data department dive into Belgium's remarkable rise to the top of FIFA's world rankings. They discuss the evolution of a unique footballing DNA, the seamless integration of talent in youth development, and the challenges faced by the golden generation led by stars like Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne. The conversation highlights Belgium’s strategic innovations, their emotional journey, and the promising future of emerging talents in football.

Join Jacob Whitehead, a writer for The Athletic, as he shares insights from interviews with key figures in Ajax's reformation. Discover how Johan Cruyff's philosophy of creativity and total football sparked Ajax's revival post-2010. Whitehead discusses the club's innovative youth development strategies and their commitment to sustainability. The podcast also explores the tension between idealism and pragmatism in strategy, highlighting how Cruyff's legacy continues to influence Ajax's tactics and shape the identities of their homegrown talents.

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.