The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics. We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more! With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...

With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament. Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26? Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer? Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years. So how did he change the landscape of Premier League tactics?  And what comes next for Man City? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time of the year, already — our very special alternative Premier League Team of the Season. Who has impressed us from the sides in the bottom half of the table? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re reviewing a compelling set of Champions League semi-finals. From Arsenal’s defensive solidity, to the most complete side in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain.  Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With only five players across Europe’s top five leagues on 20 goals or more. Today we’re asking: where have all the goalscorers gone? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.  So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years? And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey  Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, there’s only one story in town — the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal. Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor? Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...

This week, we’re diving into the world of attacking partnerships. How have roles at the top of the pitch changed over time? And must all attackers be able to defend? Host: Matt Davies-Adams Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations. From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other? Let’s build a complete midfield! Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule. What impact is it having on players and matches? And… can we measure whether football is actually more intense than it used to be? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties. From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really are. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan Alexander Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not. What have they changed at their respective clubs, and are they better off for it?   Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones. Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...

This week, we’re discussing football’s new rules! We’ll talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws. Host: Duncan Alexander Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s mailbag time! On this episode we’ll discuss: Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more! Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s February — and we have real jeopardy in both the Premier League title race and relegation battle. So this week, we’ll discuss the tactics we have seen, and will see from the teams at the top and bottom of the table.  Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week — we’re diving into the world of weather.  How do the elements impact what happens on the pitch?  From the rainy, cold and windy nights at Stoke. To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. We’ll discuss it all. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'Neill Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League, but only seventh for open play xG. So is that a Mikel Arteta issue - or a league-wide one? Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers t...

This week, we’re diving into the world of home and away - discussing the tactical differences between performing in front of your own fans, and taking to the road. What are the key elements to playing on home turf, and how does it impact what happens on the pitch? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey a...

We’re more than halfway through the Premier League season.  So this week, we’ll use our good old friend data to assess the main talking point for all 20 clubs. Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, there’s only one topic in town: Manchester United Football Club. Ruben Amorim’s gone, so how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term? And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on...

This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag! We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style substitutions and more. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week — we’re talking the tactics of squad rotation… Who are the most and least stable Premier League clubs in how they use their players? And does stability equal success? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.