The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, both football tactics and data analysts at The Athletic, dive into the tight race for Champions League spots in the Premier League. They explore critical moments impacting team performances, highlighting Manchester City's resurgence and Chelsea's struggles. Tactical insights reveal how Newcastle copes against top European teams and the importance of squad depth amid fierce competition. The duo also discusses Arsenal's strategic nuances in a recent match against Crystal Palace, emphasizing preparation and adaptability in high-stakes scenarios.

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Williams, an insightful author and expert on French football, joins the discussion on the dwindling presence of French managers in elite leagues. He delves into the historical significance of French coaching and how the landscape has shifted dramatically over time. The conversation touches on the legacy of iconic figures like Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane. Moreover, they explore the cultural transformations in coaching practices and the emerging talents poised to reshape the future of French football management.

Liam Tharme, a tactics and data expert at The Athletic, dives into PSG's remarkable transformation under Luis Enrique. He discusses how the team has shifted from individual brilliance to a cohesive, versatile unit, enhancing their offensive strategy and aggressive pressing. Tharme highlights Kylian Mbappe's pivotal role and how PSG has creatively adapted to counter rivals like Aston Villa. He also examines their prospects for Champions League glory, focusing on the blend of youth and experience driving their dominance.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Cox, a renowned football tactics writer, joins data analysts Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to delve into Nottingham Forest's remarkable rise from relegation fears to Champions League contenders under Nuno Espirito Santo. They analyze Forest's innovative strategies and tactical evolution, showcasing their defensive strengths and adaptability against elite teams. Key players like Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White are highlighted for their dual impact on defense and attack, revealing how these tactics make them a challenging opponent in the league.

Dive into the metrics that make or break a football match, beyond just goals and assists. Discover why winning second balls is crucial for sustained attacks and performance. Explore the intricacies of expected assists and how they relate to player creativity. Analyze set-piece performances between Liverpool and Arsenal, highlighting contrasts in their strategies. Finally, gain insights into Argentina's tactical brilliance against Brazil, showcasing adaptability and dominance. A deep dive into the tactical nuances of the beautiful game!

Michael Cox, a football tactics writer, joins Mark Carey, a data analyst, and Duncan Alexander, a football writer, to discuss the intriguing role of foreign managers in international football. They reflect on the successes and failures of figures like Sven-Göran Eriksson and the Greek miracle of Euro 2004 under Otto Rehagel. The conversation also explores the evolving responsibilities of managers and the influence of cultural dynamics on coaching strategies, all spiced up with some humorous anecdotes and insights into team cohesion.

Joining the discussion are Michael Cox, a football tactics writer, Mark Carey, a tactics and data analyst, and Liam Tharme, a tactics analyst. They dive into the Champions League quarter-finals, examining team performances and predicting potential favorites. The trio analyzes key matchups like PSG vs. Liverpool and the drama of Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid's penalty shootout. Attention is given to tactical insights on wingers and critiques of teams like Leverkusen, making it a thrilling exploration of strategies and statistics in the competition.

In this discussion, Michael Cox, a football tactics writer, is joined by Mark Carey, an expert in tactics and data analytics, and Liam Tharme, who specializes in set pieces. They delve into the rising significance of set pieces in football, especially for teams like Arsenal and Manchester City, and the role of specialized coaches. The trio analyzes league comparisons in set-piece execution and defense, unveiling statistical trends that show a shift in how teams approach these opportunities and vulnerabilities. Expect insightful tactics that could transform future games!

Michael Cox, a football tactics writer for The Athletic, joins data journalist Mark Carey and tactics expert Liam Tharme to discuss how football positions have dramatically evolved in the last five years. They explore the modern-day responsibilities of roles like No.8s and No.9s, the growing significance of the number six position, and how technology shapes tactics. The trio highlights Liverpool's strategic shift in using midfielders over traditional strikers and the blend of traditional skills with new tactical demands in today's game.