The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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.

The analysis of the Champions League semi-finals highlights thrilling moments, especially the 3-3 clash between Barcelona and Inter. Lamine Yamal's 1v1 brilliance and tactical impact shine, while Inter's quick start and effective set-pieces are discussed. PSG's strategic dismantling of Arsenal's press showcases their evolving tactics, including how midfield overloads led to a decisive goal. The conversation also touches on Arsenal's adjustments for the second leg and the broader implications of Guardiola's fullback tactics for future matches.

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.

In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG.They’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the first side to win the title unbeaten.They’re also in the final of the Coupe de France and face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week.So how has Enrique made them so dominant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.We’ll break down how a team who flirted with relegation last season have become one of the most difficult sides to play against in the division. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Cox, a renowned football tactics writer, is joined by Mark Carey, a tactics and data expert, and Liam Tharme, an analyst specializing in football analytics. They dive into crucial metrics beyond goals, like the significance of second balls and duels in match strategy. The trio explores how coaches leverage these overlooked aspects, enhancing team performance. They also discuss the evolution of tactical approaches across football, showcasing examples from clubs like Everton and Bournemouth.