The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

4.6 (203)
SOCCER
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers 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.

17 HR. AGO

Back Three Formations

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme. Producer: Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 min
OCT 31

Hansi Flick’s brave Barcelona

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-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

41 min
OCT 24

Have Liverpool evolved under Arne Slot?

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 Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45 min
OCT 10

Assessing the promoted teams' survival chances

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42 min
OCT 3

Can managers succeed without a team of stars?

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 Bailey With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 min
SEP 26

Mailbag: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10s & tactical revolutions

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42 min
SEP 19

Has data’s impact on football been overstated?

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou https://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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49 min
SEP 5

Salah the elite creator: how players evolve over time

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46 min

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07/18/2023

Introducing the Daily Football Briefing

The Athletic has just launched its brand new, daily 10 minute podcast for all those people who are just too busy in the mornings for anything longer. It’s called The Daily Football Briefing and will bring you right up to speed with the biggest stories from the night before and what to expect from the day ahead. Missed a big transfer story? David Ornstein will have you covered. What’s the latest about that club’s takeover saga? Matt Slater will have the latest. What’s Lionel Messi getting up to in MLS? Our American experts will know best. It’s your essential guide to the biggest stories in football - all wrapped up before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee. Follow and subscribe to The Athletic’s Daily Football Briefing for free wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

07/18/2023

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3 min

4.6

out of 5

203 Ratings

Michael Cox

Apr 4

Yasiel Puig

Please speak into the microphone! I have to constantly raise and lower the volume lol Otherwise good stuff!
When did Michael Cox become insufferable?

Apr 18

Nico_laos

I used to love Michael’s analysis when he was humble 20 something writing about football (I found him in the build up to the 2010 World Cup), now he talks as if reclined on his throne, casually tossing out the final word on any given player or performance. 3 stars for the show, they rest of the team still gives it a decent go.
private review

Apr 18

SpunkyGee

i fnd your analysis insightful overall, and enjoy your commentators’ personalities. to improve things, michael could tone down his negativity and condescension. happily, he has expanded his somewhat parochial premier league focus to see that, yes, there are other ways to approach the game.
I Love this pod BUT

10/07/2023

NorCalStickyIcky

The intro music is so spot on. I believe the jingle can be found in the section called light the loafers. IDK but i just get the vibe. I’m cool with it and all I’m a modern man. But yeah its all a little too appropriate, self effacing and well dressed.

Hosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers 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.