The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Jay Harris introduces The Athletic's new podcast series, Access All Areas: Brentford. It's a behind the scenes look at how to build a modern Premier League team.In this episode - episode 2 of the series - Jay talks to those responsible for Brentford's famed recruitment strategy to detail how they scout and how they convince players that west London is a place for them to thrive.To listen to the full series click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic has just launched its brand new, daily 10 minute podcast for all those people who are just too busy in the mornings for anything longer.It’s called The Daily Football Briefing and will bring you right up to speed with the biggest stories from the night before and what to expect from the day ahead. Missed a big transfer story? David Ornstein will have you covered. What’s the latest about that club’s takeover saga? Matt Slater will have the latest. What’s Lionel Messi getting up to in MLS? Our American experts will know best.It’s your essential guide to the biggest stories in football - all wrapped up before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee. Follow and subscribe to The Athletic’s Daily Football Briefing for free wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined - straight after the full-time whistle - by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Ahmed Walid, to dissect Manchester City's 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final...The panel break down the tactical story of a cagey finale in Istanbul, big team selection decisions and the culmination of City's tactical evolution into a truly formidable 'cup side'.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to discuss whether tournament and league football needs to be treated differently, perhaps even viewed as entirely different disciplines...Plus, a look ahead to this weekend’s Champions League final, as Manchester City look to complete the treble vs Inter Milan.Produced by Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to review a record-breaking and unforgettable Premier League season... in just 10 matches.From early warning signs of De Bruyne x Haaland's link up and Arsenal's leaky defence, to Spurs self-destruction, Villa's transformation and Leeds' lack of goals. Plus, an interesting discussion about xG underperformance in strikers who do a lot more than shoot and where the cut-off for parachuting in an interim manager should be.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to pick their alternative Premier League Team of the Season - The catch? They can only select one player from each team in the bottom half of the table (plus one bonus pick)...Forget Saka v Salah as the guys condemn the lack general lack of viable full-back options, wrestle with the data and accidentally unearth the best player in the bottom half of the league.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey following the conclusion of the Champions League semi-finals.Man City swept away holders Real Madrid in a crushing 4-0 victory, 5-1 on aggregate, so how did they do it? Were they that incredible, or were Madrid that far below par?Meanwhile, Inter beat city rivals Milan over two legs to set up a tasty final against Pep Guardiola’s side.There’s also a section dedicated to imminent new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, and how he could set up the Blues next season.The west Londoners have a huge squad, so who may thrive under the former Spurs boss, and who is unlikely to?Produced by Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pragmatic Xavi, Busquets' successor and is it actually a good idea to bring Messi back in the summer? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and John Muller to explain how Barcelona won the league... An outstanding defensive record, playing to Lewandowski's strengths, why Pedri and Gavi are not simply Xavi and Iniesta 'mini-clones' & how a prodigious young coach has balanced a squad overhaul, the mantle of being Guardiola's "disciple" and Real Madrid's continued success in Europe. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander to explain Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role for Liverpool and assess to what extent it's responsible for their recent good run of form... Is he any more creative in central areas and are Liverpool better defensively? Was Trent really having a bad season and will he chase down Ryan Giggs' Premier League assists record? Plus, the impact on some of his teammates, if this tactical switch is a 'Plan B' or the blueprint for next season and if Liverpool can sneak into the Top 4. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Duncan Alexander makes his tactics pod debut, joining The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and host Ali Maxwell, to discuss a potentially record-breaking number of goals being scored in the Premier League this season... Why the art of defending seems to have lost its appeal, why we're seeing more goals in big games and to what extent the five subs rule, the World Cup, manager sackings and 'mysterious goalkeeper injury-enforced breaks' have contributed.Plus as Big Sam Allardyce steps in at Leeds, the panel reflect on his title as one of the 'forefathers of football analytics', what he'd be capable of with Thomas Frank's hair and some salient advice for what not to do on a golf course in a thunderstorm.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.