The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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• 2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways 28.05.2026 40min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox & Liam TharmeProducer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League 21.05.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Alternative Team of the Season 14.05.2026 40min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence 07.05.2026 33min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Where have all the goalscorers gone? 30.04.2026 44min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius 23.04.2026 31min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years? 16.04.2026 48min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Who has the best attack in Europe? 09.04.2026 34min

  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-AdamsGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield 02.04.2026 38min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The impact of football’s relentless schedule 26.03.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe? 19.03.2026 36min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan AlexanderProducer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires 12.03.2026 48min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game? 05.03.2026 38min

  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 AlexanderGuests: Michael Cox, Mark CareyProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls 26.02.2026 33min

  It’s mailbag time!On this episode we’ll discuss:Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle 19.02.2026 38min

  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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks 12.02.2026 37min

  This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football 05.02.2026 36min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'NeillProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Does the Premier League have an open-play goal problem? 29.01.2026 33min

  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 AlexanderWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed WalidProducer: Mike StavrouWe’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.
• No sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading? 22.01.2026 37min

  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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe’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 Research article: Revising home advantage in sport – home advantage mediation (HAM) model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• A stat for every Premier League club 15.01.2026 35min

  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 AlexanderWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.