The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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.

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged.From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United.We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Manchester City seem unwilling to play and much more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024.We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR!Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others.How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion?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’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing.And… can we come up with what the most dangerous scoreline really is?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, there’s plenty to dissect, on the present and what we may get down the road. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, we’re asking — how do teams cope without their star players?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de RochéProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.