The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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.

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on Jose Mourinho's fall from grace - 20 years on from winning the Champions League with Porto.Has modern club football left Mourinho behind. Do a younger generation of footballers tire of his methods too quickly and has he ever been a 'defensive' coach?Plus, why he is perfectly suited to international management now.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup, the prevailing 'narrative' has been their desperate need to sign a more clinical goalscorer in the January transfer window... But does a number 9 who could fulfil all the requirements of an Arsenal striker even exist?Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme - for their first podcast of 2024 - to explore the 'unrealistic' expectations on the modern-day Premier League forward.How would an iconic frontman like Didier Drogba be judged today, is it more sustainable to have a strong finisher or to keep creating high quality chances and do goalscorers even play upfront anymore!?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the tactical trends of 2023.The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to explore…First up, full backs and defenders moving into midfield. Inversions, actions and equal & opposite reactions are all covered here.Did the back three become an endangered species in 2023 and will wingbacks go the way of the Dodo in 2024?What were the big statistical trends this year? More goals, fewer red cards and the comeback of… the comeback.The 2023 “Calendar Year” table finds Chelsea and Aston Villa in unexpected places.And Michael reflects on the multiple tactical evolutions we saw during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Produced by Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.