The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

In this episode, we talk about back three formations.Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. And Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal.So are back threes back? Or is this just a brief moment back in the sun?And can Manchester United’s current squad adapt to Amorim’s favoured formation?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side.Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad!So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out!Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot.It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seb Stafford-Bloor, a tactical writer for The Athletic, dives into the Bundesliga rivalry between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich, exploring the coaching styles of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany. The discussion questions whether managers truly need star players to achieve success. Delve into the tactical evolution behind Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and Bayern's recent challenges. Examine the complexities of player roles and team strategies, showcasing how effective management can thrive even without a roster of elite talent.

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrouhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that everyone thinks it has.So, has data actually changed football?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrouhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-has-data-changed-football/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5697684/2024/09/03/football-analytics-uk-evolution/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring.How do elite players alter their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed WalidProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Cox is a revered football tactics writer, while Mark Carey and Liam Tharme are experts in tactics and data analysis at The Athletic. Together, they dive into the chaos of Chelsea's squad building, discussing the crucial balance between player versatility and depth. The trio highlights the evolving strategies in football recruitment, emphasizing the role of stats and AI. Additionally, they examine the vital impact of youth academies and the integration of under-21 players in creating competitive Premier League teams.

One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems.We look at how the top teams fared and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers.Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.