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PODCAST

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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.

sports soccer,

All Episodes

38:02

Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/02/19

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.

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37:42

Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/02/12

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.

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36:46

A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts...

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/02/05

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.

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33:44

Does the Premier League have an open-play goal problem?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/01/29

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:

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37:42

No sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/01/22

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

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35:30

A stat for every Premier League club

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/01/15

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.

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37:21

How to fix Man United in the short term

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2026/01/08

This week, there’s only one topic in town: Manchester United Football Club.Ruben Amorim’s gone, so how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term?And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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28:33

Underrated Premier League players & formation changes

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/12/24

This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems,basketball-style substitutions and more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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28:08

Who has the most settled squad in the Premier League?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/12/18

This week — we’re talking the tactics of squad rotation…Who are the most and least stable Premier League clubs in how they use their players?And does stability equal success?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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36:15

Has Salah actually declined?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/12/11

This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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36:57

Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/12/04

On this episode, we run through some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently.Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys JonesProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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37:32

Can Spurs and Frank make it work?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/11/27

This week — we’re discussing how managers make the jump from a relatively small club, to one of the big guns, and with a particular focus on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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29:28

Have Arsenal built the Premier League’s best ever...

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/11/20

This week - we’re asking if defence really wins you titles.Should you build your team around a solid defence — or a free-flowing attack?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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39:15

Why are defensive midfielders scoring so many goals?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/11/13

This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox and Mark CareyProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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48:04

Champions League notebook

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/11/06

The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results.So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are the favourites shaping up, and who has caught our eye on Europe’s biggest stage?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Ben Green & Steve Hankey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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38:57

How to fix Liverpool

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/10/30

The defending Premier League champions have lost four league matches in a row.So, where is it going wrong for Arne Slot’s Liverpool — and crucially, how do they fix their issues?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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37:38

A guide to the 4-4-2 formation

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/10/23

This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League.In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been steadily dropping.We find out why.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael CoxProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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34:27

Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's...

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/10/19

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay GündoğanExecutive Producer: Abi PatersonProducers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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37:54

Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/10/16

Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squad by Tuchel, despite their “star status”.When building a team, what is the priority; star players, or players who fit the system?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael CoxProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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33:18

Why goalkeepers are going long

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast ·

2025/10/09

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution.Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?Host: Duncan AlexanderWith: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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