The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

On episode two of Football Architects, we’re focusing on the rise that took a stagnant Belgium to number one in FIFA’s world rankings.We’ll hear about how they established a footballing DNA, and created a team of legendary players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and many more. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6445749/2025/07/10/football-architects-inside-belgium-rise-world-number-one/ Host: Michael BaileyWith: Jacob Whitehead and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Over the next five weeks, we’ll tell the stories of esteemed footballing nations and clubs, speaking to the unsung heroes who changed history.Today’s episode is focused on Ajax’s rebirth and how the club was rebuilt in the image of legendary figure Johan Cruyff.Host Michael Bailey will be joined by The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead and a number of our tactics writers. We’ll also be hearing excerpts of Jacob's interviews with key figures who were at the forefront of these projects.On this episode, we hear from Ruben Jongkind, former head of talent development at Ajax, and the club’s former head talent recruitment, Jasper van Leeuwen.Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6445365/2025/07/03/football-architects-rebuilding-ajax-johan-cruyff/ Host: Michael BaileyWith: Jacob Whitehead and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this final show of the season, we’re bringing you the eagerly anticipated listener mailbag.We’ll focus on strikerless systems, wing-backs vs full-backs and much, much more. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouOn behalf of the entire Tactics team, thank you for all of your entries and your support this season. Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/atPcQnohDvRWQG2M7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show, we’re reviewing the 2024-25 season - looking at statistical trends across the Premier League. We’ll also focus on the teams who impressed us, and those who disappointed us. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouListener survey: https://forms.gle/atPcQnohDvRWQG2M7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Duncan Alexander, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme preview the Champions League final between Inter and PSG.Two teams with contrasting styles meet in the final in Munich - so we break down how we think this one might play out.Host: Duncan AlexanderWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, it’s alternative team of the season time!To remind you of the rules, instead of focusing on the top teams - we all pick an eleven with one player from each of the bottom 10 teams in the Premier League table (as it stands on Thursday 22nd May) and then one “wildcard” player - basically one other player from the bottom half clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producers: Mike Stavrou and Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re talking Italian managers.Specifically… Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte.Ancelotti will be joining the Brazilian men’s national team this summer, drawing his second spell at Real Madrid to a close.Meanwhile, Antonio Conte could be about to win the Scudetto with a third Italian club… potentially adding Napoli to his successes with Juventus and Internazionale.Broadly speaking, Ancelotti has been more successful in European competitions — with Conte having a better success rate bringing home the domestic bacon.But is there something in their tactical philosophies that has caused this? That’s what we talk about in this episode.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show, we’re focused on the second legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We’ll analyse a tie for the ages - Inter’s 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona. And also PSG’s victory against Arsenal.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s show, we analyse the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We’ll discover how PSG’s press nullified Arsenal, and discuss probably the game of the season so far — Barca’s thriller against Inter.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re looking at an incredibly tight race in the Premier League to seal European football for next season.And we’ll discuss which of those teams are best set-up for success.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look back at the Champions League quarter finals. We also look ahead to the semi-finals and discuss the merits of Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Internazionale and Barcelona.If you want more on Inter, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2296a4 For our bonus PSG episode, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2c3d48Or watch here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5AzIuR_cU For a bit on Barcelona, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/27b242 Host: Michael BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Mark Carey, Thom Harris and Michael Cox.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re focusing on French footballing identity.And we’ll attempt to discover why there is a lack of French managers across Europe’s top leagues.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Tom WilliamsProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe 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.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouBuilding the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 analysisPlus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul PowerProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael CoxProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de RochéProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about back three formations.Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. And Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal.So are back threes back? Or is this just a brief moment back in the sun?And can Manchester United’s current squad adapt to Amorim’s favoured formation?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side.Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad!So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out!Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot.It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrouhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that everyone thinks it has.So, has data actually changed football?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrouhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-has-data-changed-football/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5697684/2024/09/03/football-analytics-uk-evolution/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring.How do elite players alter their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed WalidProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad.Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems.We look at how the top teams fared and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers.Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the English top flight.Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back.This week we have… European hopefuls, relegation candidates and the best of the rest.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this first episode of the new season, we are previewing the upcoming 2024/2025 Premier League campaign - with a particular focus on the tactical conundrums facing each team.We’ll split this into two parts - covering 10 teams this week and the rest on our next show.This week, we look at the title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Duncan Alexander and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to talk about why this Premier League season has had an unbelievable number of goals.The number of goals being scored in the top division of English men’s football is at its highest rate since the 1960s.But what has caused this?Are goalkeepers not as good as they used to be at keeping the ball out of the net?What has VAR done to the game in the context of goals given or denied?And are players shooting more and better? This and much, much more on the final Tactics podcast of the 23/24 season.Hosted by: Ali MaxwellWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Produced by: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to put together an alternative team of the season from the 23/24 Premier League.Mark and Michael are allowed to choose one player from each of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to make up their side.The mathematically minded amongst you will clock that only gives them eleven players, so from one team they get two picks.This episode really illustrates the truth held within that famous internet aphorism from E.M. Hudson:“Dudes can literally just sit around and name old sports players and just have the best time.”Hosted by: Ali MaxwellWith: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Produced by: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the final stages of this season’s Champions League in men’s football.Real Madrid came from behind in the dying minutes to knock out Bayern Munich and further cement their pedigree in this competition.Borussia Dortmund ensured their surprising run this season continued by securing a second consecutive 1-0 win over Paris St Germain to take the semi-final 2-0 on aggregate.Then, we look ahead to the final on Saturday 1st June at Wembley. Can Dortmund shock the football world to claim their second Champions League trophy at Real’s expense?Hosted by: Ali MaxwellWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProduced by: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how Liverpool can ensure a smooth succession from Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp.We look at how well suited his style of play and personality are for taking on one of the biggest jobs in club football.And how well set up Liverpool are as a club to move on from such a legendary manager?Then, we look to the past to see if we can learn much about the future. Can Liverpool learn anything from how Manchester United moved on from Alex Ferguson and how Arsenal handled life after Arsène Wenger?Host: Ali MaxwellWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe.We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers…What matters most when measuring what makes a competitive league? Is it the finance or the depth of talent in each league year on year? Or is it how well spread both of those things are across a division? And should looking at how competitive a league is compared to other places influence where clubs scout for players?HOST: Ali MaxwellWITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmePRODUCER: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which concluded this week.First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena.We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester City failed to retain their crown as they were knocked out on penalties by the perennial Kings of Europe Real Madrid. We also assess Paris St Germain progressing against a poorly disciplined Barcelona as well as discussing Borussia Dortmund doubling the German contingent in the semifinals with their win over Atletico Madrid.And it’s in Germany we remain for the rest of the episode to reflect on the incredible achievement of the Bundesliga’s new champions, Bayer Leverkusen.HOST: Ali MaxwellWITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmePRODUCER: Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.