The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

4.6 (208)
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.

1 DAY AGO

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

51 min
FEB 13

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50 min
FEB 6

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45 min
JAN 30

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49 min
JAN 23

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

47 min
JAN 16

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49 min
JAN 9

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

43 min
JAN 2

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50 min

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TRAILER

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

208 Ratings

Good

Feb 10

aiden chen harry potter

Michael Cox could change his attitude, and not always say that some team is bad or dull, thats not what to do on an informative podcast. Hoever, the teactics and analysis is still pretty good.
Michael Cox

04/04/2024

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?

04/18/2024

Nico_________

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

04/18/2024

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.

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.