The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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.

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to try and work out the best way to 'chase' a football match...Has modern football moved away from the stereotypical 'plan B' of earlier Premier League eras and how do teams like Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle keep finding late goals.Plus, how the role of the substitute might be evolving into a more specialist role and what is now asked of 'game-changers' like Harvey Elliott, Youri Tielemans, Elijah Adebayo and more...Produced by Adonis Pratsides 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 discuss penalties in football...Are there too many, are they too big a reward in the VAR era, or, is it in fact becoming more difficult to score?Plus, the best player in the Premier League at winning penalties, who sent the keeper the wrong way every time, are left-footers better than right-footers and if further rule changes are in order.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss Michael Cox’s argument that Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League.The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to explore…First up, there’s a discussion and reflection on the managerial career of Terry Venables. The former England and Barcelona manager passed away this week at the age of 80 after a long illness.Then, on to Bernardo Silva.How rare is his level and type of versatility?Does his ability as an elite all rounder mean he’s better than some elite players with narrower skill sets, like Haaland or Salah?And does his tactical acumen and strong communication skills mean a future in coaching is in the offing?Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Manchester United and England's Lionesses face a crucial fortnight ahead under their respective Dutch coaches Erik ten Hag and Sarina Wiegman.To compare and contrast their styles Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Charlotte Harpur to discuss their similar coaching identities and explore how much that is tied to their nation's football identity.The panel analyse their on-pitch tactical focus, with influences from Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal as well as their off-pitch handling of the media and personnel with their respective squads.Produced by Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A collection of Europe’s major leagues have had surprise league leaders topping the tables this season.The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris join Ali Maxwell to explore…Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. What do they do in and out of possession, how have their new signings settled in and can they sustain it to beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga?We also talk about an even bigger surprise in La Liga. At time of recording Girona top La Liga by two points ahead of Real Madrid with former Rayo Vallecano coach Michel performing a minor miracle for the Catalan minnows.There’s also a nice nod to… Nice. They aren’t top but have hovered around second place in Ligue 1 this season with a collection of players who really hit the “oh yeah that guy, he’s still around” spot.  Produced by Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Spurs and Man United suffered defeats in big games this week, where a red card (or two) was a big factor - The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to debate the best ways for a manager to deal tactically with a sending off...Did Big Ange's surprisingly high defensive line make sense, can you stick with three-at-the-back and is it actually harder to play against ten men?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Michael informs us - in the beginning - the beautiful game almost completely revolved around the art of 'dribbling'.So, as football continues to evolve tactically, how and why did we reach a point where many commentators are now asking: "Where have all the dribblers gone?"The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to explore...Who are the best/worst dribblers in the Premier League, what even constitutes a 'dribble' and are coaches like Pep Guardiola really responsible for the apparent lack of dribblers today?Plus, how many of Ronaldo Nazario's 414 goals were scored by dribbling the ball round the goalkeeper?Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Maxwell is alongside The Athletic’s Liam Thame, Mark Carey and Michael Cox to explore the varying ‘peak’ performance of strikers, and whether it’s changing over time.From Robbie Fowler who ‘peaked’ aged 20, to Fabio Quagliarella who saved his best ’til 35, the panel dissect why players hit their prime at different ages, but ask if the way we classify ‘peak’ needs updating.Plus, can ones ‘peak’ be predicted, and how is sports science altering the landscape.Produced by Jay Beale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jude Bellingham's been described as a player 'who can do everything', so Ali Maxwell, challenged The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to build the 'perfect' player...A left foot from Messi? As strong as Van Dijk? With Bernardo Silva's brain?Agree or disagree with our selections? Let us know in the comments.Produced by Adonis Pratsides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.