The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

We’re focusing our attention on the Champions League.This season’s competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what’s happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces.Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years.For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouBuilding the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysisPlus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul PowerProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cox, a respected football tactics writer, joins Mark Carey and Liam Tharme from The Athletic's data department to break down the modern centre-back. They discuss the evolving traits needed for today's game, including versatility and technical skills. The trio highlights the importance of effective partnerships, showcasing iconic duo dynamics and tactical roles. They also explore innovative metrics for evaluating defensive performance, emphasizing adaptability in shifting football strategies.

This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond.We go for some obvious ones — but we’ll also talk about moves you may have missed! Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael CoxProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season.So today we’re talking…The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much more!Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.