The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Jay Harris, The Athletic's Brentford reporter, dives into the fascinating world of specialist coaching in football. He discusses the evolution of unique coaching roles and their impact on team dynamics and player performance. The conversation reveals how niche positions like mentality performance coaches are becoming essential. They explore the role of technology and analytics in shaping modern strategies. Listen to insights on how tailored coaching can unlock potential, and what roles might emerge next in this ever-evolving field.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Jon Mackenzie join Ali Maxwell to do a deep dive into Internazionale.Simone Inzaghi’s side are dominating Serie A in every sense of the word. They have a bigger lead at this stage of the season than runaway leaders Napoli had last time out and at time of recording they have the best defensive record of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.So what makes them so good?What do they do that very few, if any, other teams do at the elite level of the game?And will their manager Simone Inzaghi ever test his managerial mettle away from Italian shores?Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on one of the Premier League’s great managerial rivalries.Pep Guardiola's final tactical tussle with Jurgen Klopp, in the Premier League at least, is this weekend. We look at their individual influences on the English game since they arrived and how they’ve influenced each other too.But who has struggled the most against the other: Pep vs Klopp, or vice versa?And will we ever see the like of this managerial rivalry in English football ever again?Produced by Steve Hankey.Podcast listening habits survey - theathletic.com/survey24. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell break down what is potentially the most exciting title race for years.At time of recording, two points separate three teams at the top of the Premier League.We’ve scoured over the three title contenders to see if we can scientifically suss out who’ll be crowned Premier League champions in May.Will it be Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal?And which small details could cause delight or downfall for each side?Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to ask whether modern football teams actually want superstars anymore?Kylian Mbappé is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but, whisper it quietly; will they be a better team without him?How have Tottenham Hotspur adapted to the loss of their star man Harry Kane? And how Have Bayern Munich had to adapt to having him?Also, is tournament football, at club and international level; the last bastion for the superstar?Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to give an overview of the runners and riders as the Champions League enters the last 16.Will anyone be able to stop Manchester City from retaining their crown?Should Bayern Munich be amongst the favourites considering their recent blunders in the Bundesliga?And is a dark horse going to ride to glory in this year’s competition?Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Delve into the tactics teams employ to challenge elite football squads. Discover whether they should adapt styles against top contenders or stick to their game plan. Learn how Brentford and Wolves navigate these tough matchups with innovative strategies. Explore the role of adaptability in achieving success, backed by a study on team performance. The conversation touches on creativity versus predictability and how effective gameplay can maintain fan engagement in competitive fixtures.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the tactical differences between the two eras of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tenure.We’re broadly speaking splitting Klopp’s teams into the 2019 - 21 side as “Liverpool 1.0” and looking at this current iteration as “Liverpool 2.0”What were peak Klopp Liverpool tactically?What has and hasn’t changed in the transition to this new team?And what kind of a squad is he leaving for whoever Liverpool’s new manager is?Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the Tactics Pod team launch a load of stats into your ears, so strap in.The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to sift through forty five minutes of figures, including…Who is the fouliest footballer in the Premier League so far this season?Which side loves turning the opposition around at the coin toss?What is the biggest (statistical) problem with Manchester United this season?And seventeen more.Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.