The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

The Athletic

Hosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data department to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.

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20 episodes
Updated June 9

Episodes20

Newest first

June 9 · 44 min
Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?
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/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 35 min
The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams
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.
May 28 · 40 min
2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways
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.
May 21 · 36 min
How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League
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.
May 14 · 40 min
Alternative Team of the Season
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.
May 7 · 33 min
PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence
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.
April 30 · 44 min
Where have all the goalscorers gone?
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.
April 23 · 31 min
Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
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.
April 16 · 48 min
Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?
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 information.
April 9 · 34 min
Who has the best attack in Europe?
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.
April 2 · 38 min
Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield
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.
March 26 · 36 min
The impact of football’s relentless schedule
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.
March 19 · 36 min
Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?
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.
March 12 · 48 min
Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires
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/privacy for more information.
March 5 · 38 min
Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?
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.
February 26 · 33 min
The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls
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.
February 19 · 38 min
Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle
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.
February 12 · 37 min
Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks
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.
February 5 · 36 min
A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football
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.
January 29 · 33 min
Does the Premier League have an open-play goal problem?
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 too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?

The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams

2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways

How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League

Alternative Team of the Season

PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence

Where have all the goalscorers gone?

Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius

Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?

Who has the best attack in Europe?

Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield

The impact of football’s relentless schedule

Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?

Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires

Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?

The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls

Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle

Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks

A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football

Does the Premier League have an open-play goal problem?