
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Hosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data department to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.
Latest episodes

Apr 18, 2024 • 47min
Champions League review & how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga
Football experts Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme review the Champions League quarterfinals, focusing on Bayern vs. Arsenal and Real Madrid against Manchester City. They also discuss Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga and the exciting performances of Alex Grimaldo and Florian Verts in the league.

Apr 11, 2024 • 55min
Champions League quarter finals first leg review
On this football podcast, Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme discuss the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. They analyze Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid vs. Man City, Barcelona vs. PSG, and Atletico Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund. They delve into tactical choices, defensive vulnerabilities, and strategic performances of the teams.

Apr 4, 2024 • 50min
Where will the Premier League contenders slip up?
Football tactics experts Michael Cox, Mark Carey, and Liam Tharme discuss the Premier League title race, analyzing tactical aspects of Man City vs Arsenal, changes since the last analysis, and teams that could trip up contenders City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Mar 28, 2024 • 48min
The rise of specialist coaches
Sports journalist Jay Harris, specialist coach Mark Carey, and football coaching expert Liam Tharme discuss the rise of specialist coaches in football. They explore the evolution of coaching roles, the impact of specialized coaching on set pieces and team performance, and the trend of hiring coaches for specific positions. The conversation also delves into mental performance coaching, emotional control training, and the role of substitute coaches in elite football.

Mar 21, 2024 • 51min
How Inter are dominating Serie A
In this entertaining podcast, The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, and Jon Mackenzie discuss how Inter Milan is dominating Serie A with their exceptional defensive record and tactical prowess. They analyze what sets Inter apart from other elite teams, delving into Simone Inzaghi's management style and the team's potential on the global stage. A must-listen for football enthusiasts seeking insights into Inter's strategic success.

Mar 14, 2024 • 48min
Champions League notebook: Is the tournament about to come alive?
In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League last 16.Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund make up the 2024 Champions League quarter finals.So what shape are the last eight in Europe’s elite competition in? Which individual players shone in the last 16?And how has the first knockout round changed who we think the favourites are to win the whole thing?Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 7, 2024 • 48min
Klopp vs Guardiola: an era-defining rivalry
Exploring the intense rivalry between Klopp and Guardiola in the Premier League, discussing their tactical battles and influences on English football. Reflecting on their legacy and speculating on future managerial dynamics. Will we ever witness such a rivalry again in English football?

Feb 29, 2024 • 39min
Breaking Down The Three Horse Title Race
The podcast discusses the thrilling three-team Premier League title race between Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. They analyze each team's chances, small details that could influence outcomes, and the excitement of the upcoming matches. Tactical vulnerabilities, defensive improvements, fixture challenges, and audience interaction are also explored.

Feb 22, 2024 • 43min
Do teams want superstars anymore?
The podcast discusses whether modern football teams still value superstars, with examples of Kylian Mbappé leaving PSG and Tottenham adapting to Harry Kane's absence. It explores the shift towards team-oriented strategies over individual brilliance, analyzing the impact of player departures on team dynamics and adaptation strategies. The episode also delves into the significance of superstars in tournament football and the evolving role of key players in club and international competitions.

Feb 15, 2024 • 47min
The Champions League knockouts: A deep dive
Discussing potential outsiders in the Champions League, Manchester City's tactics, adaptability in manager evaluation, characteristics of a classic Ancelotti Real Madrid team, Real Madrid's win against Leipzig, analyzing Arsenal's style of play for knockout football
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