The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Paul Power, Director of AI at SkillCorner, shares his expertise on how data and AI are revolutionizing football. He discusses the transformative effects of analytics in player recruitment and performance assessment. Discover how metrics like distance run influence player motivation and team dynamics. The conversation also explores the evolution of football analytics, addressing misconceptions and the increasing acceptance of data within the sport. Power highlights the future of AI's role in decision-making and tactical strategies, emphasizing its potential impact on the game.

Michael Cox, a football tactics writer for The Athletic, leads a fascinating discussion with data analysts Liam Tharme and Mark Carey on the evolving role of centre-backs. They explore the blend of physical and technical skills required in today’s game. The trio dives into the significance of defensive partnerships, analyzing successful pairings like Murillo and Milenkovic. They also examine innovative methods to measure defensive performance and the importance of adaptability amidst tactical shifts in football.

Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, and Thom Harris, all football tactics and data analytics writers for The Athletic, dive into the winter transfer window. They discuss which new players could genuinely transform their teams this season. Key highlights include Bournemouth’s signing of Julio Soler and its alignment with a youth-focused strategy. The trio also examines tactical impacts in clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, alongside the strategic intricacies of player recruitment in a changing football landscape.

This episode features Michael Cox, a tactical writer for The Athletic, alongside Mark Carey, a data analytics expert, and Liam Tharme, a data analyst. They dive into a key statistic for each Premier League team, highlighting Nottingham Forest's impressive turnaround and Newcastle's unique high-intensity play. Aston Villa’s tactical fouling is dissected, paired with insights on Southampton and Everton's struggles. The trio expertly connects stats with team dynamics, making for an engaging and insightful analysis of Premier League action.

Join Thom Harris and Liam Tharme, both tactics and data analytics writers for The Athletic, as they dissect football’s tactically intriguing teams to watch in 2025. They explore emerging teams that thrive despite financial limits, like Strasbourg FC, showcasing their tactical evolution reminiscent of Chelsea. Getafe's unorthodox style shines through their low-possession play, while Nottingham Forest highlights unique counter-attacking strategies. The discussion also touches on youth development innovations and the competitive edge of Ligue 1.

This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week features Michael Cox, a football tactics writer; Mark Carey, who specializes in data analytics; and Liam Tharme, an expert in tactical analysis. They tackle the crucial role of Premier League experience in January signings, emphasizing the unique demands of mid-season integration. The trio dives into the complexities of managerial transitions, discussing why new coaches often face decline. Plus, they explore the strategic value of left-footed central midfielders and their impact on modern gameplay, capped off with a playful quiz on shooting statistics.

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged.From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United.We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Manchester City seem unwilling to play and much more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris.Producer: Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion featuring Michael Cox, a football tactics writer, along with data analysts Mark Carey and Thom Harris, the trio dives into the tactical highlights of 2024. They explore the rising importance of set pieces, innovations in formations like the 4-2 set up, and Spain's captivating performance in the European Championship. With insights into the impact of tactical fouling and the evolution of player roles, listeners will get an in-depth look at how teams adapted strategies and celebrated standout players like Rodri and emerging talents.

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others.How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices