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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327 episodes
Updated June 9

Episodes327

Newest first

Apr 7, 2025 · 32 min
How PSG became Champions League favourites
In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG. They’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the first side to win the title unbeaten. They’re also in the final of the Coupe de France and face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week. So how has Enrique made them so dominant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 3, 2025 · 38 min
How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite
This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest. We’ll break down how a team who flirted with relegation last season have become one of the most difficult sides to play against in the division. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 27, 2025 · 40 min
How to win a football match
This week we’re focusing our attention on the metrics which win you football matches - other than goals and assists. We’ll talk second balls, duels and explain what coaches are actually watching on those tiny screens on the touchline. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou We want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2025 · 44 min
Foreign International Managers
In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football. German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week. So we’re going to reflect on some of the great, and not so great, examples of foreign international managers and ask whether the impact they had in the past still applies today? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander. Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2025 · 42 min
Who are the Champions League favourites now?
We’re focusing our attention on the Champions League. This season’s competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what’s happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2025 · 42 min
Are set pieces more important than ever?
This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces. Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2025 · 45 min
How every position has evolved
This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years. For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Building the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2025 · 43 min
How data and AI is shaping football
We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2025 · 42 min
Building the ideal modern day centre-back
This week we’re diving into the world of centre-backs! What traits do they need in today’s game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2025 · 37 min
Which January signing will have the biggest impact?
This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond. We go for some obvious ones — but we’ll also talk about moves you may have missed! Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael Cox Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 30, 2025 · 40 min
Premier League analysed: A stat for every club
This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 23, 2025 · 39 min
Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025
This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025. What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 16, 2025 · 41 min
Myth-busting pundit cliches
This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches. Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 9, 2025 · 34 min
Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids
This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season. So today we’re talking… The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much 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.
Jan 2, 2025 · 41 min
Festive Football Tactical Notebook
In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged. From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United. We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Manchester City seem unwilling to play and much more. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris. Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 19, 2024 · 45 min
2024 tactical trends
This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024. We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR! Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 12, 2024 · 35 min
The Premier League’s overachievers
This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others. How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 5, 2024 · 37 min
How to manage leads and dangerous scorelines
This week we’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing. And… can we come up with what the most dangerous scoreline really is? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 28, 2024 · 36 min
Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won
It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, there’s plenty to dissect, on the present and what we may get down the road. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 21, 2024 · 35 min
How do teams cope without their star players?
In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, we’re asking — how do teams cope without their star players? Host: Michael Bailey With: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de Roché Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

How PSG became Champions League favourites

How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite

How to win a football match

Foreign International Managers

Who are the Champions League favourites now?

Are set pieces more important than ever?

How every position has evolved

How data and AI is shaping football

Building the ideal modern day centre-back

Which January signing will have the biggest impact?

Premier League analysed: A stat for every club

Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025

Myth-busting pundit cliches

Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids

Festive Football Tactical Notebook

2024 tactical trends

The Premier League’s overachievers

How to manage leads and dangerous scorelines

Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won

How do teams cope without their star players?