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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes
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43 min
Chelsea vs Spurs + how are Brighton this good?
It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby…
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34 min
Weekend Preview: Leeds vs Man United + Spurs vs Coventry
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43 min
Liverpool vs Man City preview + a guide to 'rest defence'
This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.The matchup has been given more signif…
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37 min
Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far
The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green…
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47 min
Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing
It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how…
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42 min
Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad
Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green an…
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45 min
Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window?
The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former A…
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45 min
Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends
Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the b…
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44 min
Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?
We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more…
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36 min
The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams
With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — a…
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40 min
2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways
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…
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36 min
How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League
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…
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41 min
Alternative Team of the Season
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: Micha…
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33 min
PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence
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: Micha…
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44 min
Where have all the goalscorers gone?
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 Ca…
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32 min
Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
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…
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49 min
Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?
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…
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34 min
Who has the best attack in Europe?
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…
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39 min
Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield
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 BaileyG…
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36 min
The impact of football’s relentless schedule
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 use…