The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Arsenal correspondent Art de Roche, to celebrate Bukayo Saka's evolution into possibly, the best right-sided forward in the world right now...The panel reflect on his breakthrough as a left wing-back, the tactical challenges Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sets for him and the amazing numbers he's already posting, despite having only turned 22 years old this week!Produced by Adonis Pratsides***Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/tactics to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dig into why so many modern-day head coaches were once central midfielders?As Guardiola, Arteta, Xavi, Pirlo, Motta, Alonso, Amorim and others thrive - what is it about the position that lends itself to coaching and is it the most difficult position to play in a team?Has it contributed to the current hegemony of football tactics and does it also explain why the price of a good deep-lying midfielder has skyrocketed over the last year.Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Guy Clarke***Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/tactics to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Analyzing the tactical overhaul at Spurs after losing Harry Kane, the impact of Ange Postecoglu compared to Mikel Arteta, and the confidence lacking in Spurs' attackers. The discussion also includes potential transfers, the departure of the set-piece coach, and the importance of set pieces in scoring goals.

Tonali's box-crashing runs, Richarlison's suitability for Postecoglu's Spurs, and Saka's status as the best right-sided forward in world football are discussed. Defenders taking goal kicks and man-to-man trends are also explored.

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Ahmed Walid and Thom Harris, to preview the rest of the Premier League teams and the biggest tactical question they'll each have to answer this season; Will Sheffield Utd have to change system after losing so many players? Why Everton are still reliant Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness. Will Manchester City continue to use ball-to-feet wingers? Could a more possession-based style help Nottingham Forest survive again? If building from the back will help Chelsea get back to winning ways? How will Unai Emery combine Mings and Pau Torres in the Aston Villa defence? Where are goals coming from for Wolves this season? Can Andoni Iraola give Bournemouth more of an identity? How will West Ham reconfigure their midfield after losing Declan Rice? Can Eberechi Eze lead Crystal Palace's attack this season? ... And by which metric did Ali decide the running order for the entire preview?!Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Ahmed Walid and Thom Harris, to preview the new Premier League season - and the big tactical dilemmas facing each team...In part one, the panel debate; How quickly the Spurs players can adapt to new manager Ange Postecoglu's principles If Brighton can 'evolve' before they're worked out Why Brentford can cope without Ivan Toney for the first six months What Newcastle will have learnt about Anthony Gordon from his success with Englands U21s If Vincent Kompany's Burnley will have to adjust their playing style in the Premier League How Arsenal's efforts to become more versatile will help them challenge for the title again If Liverpool will still suffer from the same defensive achilles heel Why Fulham must improve their record against the 'big teams' Why Manchester United have to get better at attacking set-pieces And why Luton are going to be a lot of fun to watch Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Harris introduces The Athletic's new podcast series, Access All Areas: Brentford. It's a behind the scenes look at how to build a modern Premier League team.In this episode - episode 2 of the series - Jay talks to those responsible for Brentford's famed recruitment strategy to detail how they scout and how they convince players that west London is a place for them to thrive.To listen to the full series click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic has just launched its brand new, daily 10 minute podcast for all those people who are just too busy in the mornings for anything longer.It’s called The Daily Football Briefing and will bring you right up to speed with the biggest stories from the night before and what to expect from the day ahead. Missed a big transfer story? David Ornstein will have you covered. What’s the latest about that club’s takeover saga? Matt Slater will have the latest. What’s Lionel Messi getting up to in MLS? Our American experts will know best.It’s your essential guide to the biggest stories in football - all wrapped up before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee. Follow and subscribe to The Athletic’s Daily Football Briefing for free wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined - straight after the full-time whistle - by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Ahmed Walid, to dissect Manchester City's 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final...The panel break down the tactical story of a cagey finale in Istanbul, big team selection decisions and the culmination of City's tactical evolution into a truly formidable 'cup side'.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to discuss whether tournament and league football needs to be treated differently, perhaps even viewed as entirely different disciplines...Plus, a look ahead to this weekend’s Champions League final, as Manchester City look to complete the treble vs Inter Milan.Produced by Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices