The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Mohamed Salah joins Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Ahmed Walid to discuss his remarkable transformation into a creative force in football. They explore how elite players adapt their style as they age, using Salah's shift from winger to central playmaker as a key example. The conversation highlights the importance of tactical evolution and athletic longevity, emphasizing how players like Ronaldo and Messi have also navigated these changes. Together, they shed light on the delicate balance between physical fitness and strategic intelligence in maintaining top performance.

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad.Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time, Michael Cox, a tactical expert, joins Thom Harris, a Premier League writer, and Liam Tharme, an analyst, to dissect the Premier League's opening weekend. They delve into the early misinterpretations of team performances, particularly Aston Villa’s contrasting display. Key highlights include Liverpool's midfield conundrum and the tactical evolution in the league. They also scrutinize strikers Jamie Vardy and Dominic Solanke, exploring their contrasting journeys and future prospects in an ever-evolving football landscape.

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the English top flight.Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back.This week we have… European hopefuls, relegation candidates and the best of the rest.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this first episode of the new season, we are previewing the upcoming 2024/2025 Premier League campaign - with a particular focus on the tactical conundrums facing each team.We’ll split this into two parts - covering 10 teams this week and the rest on our next show.This week, we look at the title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Duncan Alexander and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Football analyst Michael Cox discusses the surge of goals in the Premier League this season, exploring reasons like goalkeepers' performance, VAR impact, and players' shooting skills. The podcast delves into set piece goals, tactical shifts, and defensive weaknesses in the league, analyzing exciting matches and managerial styles. Discussions on the significance of scoring the first goal in matches and a farewell to the season with plans for a women's soccer podcast.

Football writers Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to create an alternative team of the season from the bottom half of the Premier League. They discuss tactical choices, player selections, and the rise of players like Ethan Pinik. The podcast explores the selection of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers based on performance, potential, and contributions to their teams.

Football analysts Michael Cox and Mark Carey, along with journalist Liam Tharme, analyze the Champions League semi-finals, discussing Real Madrid's comeback win over Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's unexpected success against PSG. The podcast looks ahead to the final showdown at Wembley, questioning if Dortmund can upset Real Madrid for the title.

Football tactics writer Michael Cox, sports journalist Mark Carey, and football expert Liam Tharme discuss Liverpool's transition post-Klopp. They explore how well-suited the new manager should be, drawing from past transitions at Man Utd and Arsenal. The debate includes tactical resilience, title challenges, and the possibility of Guardiola leaving Man City.

Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme discuss the most competitive leagues in Europe, analyzing factors like finance, talent depth, and league spread. They explore the challenges in determining league strength and how it influences player scouting. Topics include dominance of PSG, financial constraints in Serie A, and tactical repercussions in football teams.