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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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Rating
★★★★★
4.6
from
222 reviews
Categories
Country
United States
This podcast has
320 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
The Athletic
Explicit
No
Date created
2019/11/19
Latest episode
2026/04/23
Average duration
38 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

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.

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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast podcast


Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
2026/04/23
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 secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey  Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?
2026/04/16
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 Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who has the best attack in Europe?
2026/04/09
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-Adams Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield
2026/04/02
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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The impact of football’s relentless schedule
2026/03/26
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 used to be? Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?
2026/03/19
This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties. From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really are. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan Alexander Producer: Mike Stavrou  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires
2026/03/12
In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not. What have they changed at their respective clubs, and are they better off for it?   Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones. Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?
2026/03/05
This week, we’re discussing football’s new rules! We’ll talk the increased remit of VAR, throw-in countdowns and our own suggestions for new football laws. Host: Duncan Alexander Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls
2026/02/26
It’s mailbag time! On this episode we’ll discuss: Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more! Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle
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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks
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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football
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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'Neill Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does the Premier League have an open-play goal problem?
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 Alexander With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou We’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: theathletic.com/survey26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading?
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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou We’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: theathletic.com/survey26  Research article: Revising home advantage in sport – home advantage mediation (HAM) model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A stat for every Premier League club
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 Alexander With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

Read The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast podcast reviews


4.6 out of 5
222 reviews
★★★★★
aiden chen harry potter 2025/02/10
Good
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 t...
★★★★★
Yasiel Puig 2024/04/04
Michael Cox
Please speak into the microphone! I have to constantly raise and lower the volume lol Otherwise good stuff!
★★★☆☆
Nico_________ 2024/04/18
When did Michael Cox become insufferable?
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 t...
★★★★☆
SpunkyGee 2024/04/18
private review
i fnd your analysis insightful overall, and enjoy your commentators’ personalities. to improve things, michael could tone down his negativity and cond...
★★★★★
NorCalStickyIcky 2023/10/07
I Love this pod BUT
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 i...
★★★☆☆
Joey_307 2024/03/02
Rename it The Athletic Football MATHEMATICS Podcast
Have been souring on the podcast for a while. I followed because I have enjoyed Michael Cox’s work on the history and development of football tactics ...
★★★★★
DragonRider98 2023/05/31
Pod idea: Fluminense Tactics Explained
I love the podcast, especially when you breakdown lesser-known teams that have interesting/novel tactics. I’d really enjoy a podcast about Fluminense’...
★★★★★
KyleN135 2023/02/05
KyleN135
Excellent! Look forward to this every week. I’ve been watching the Premier League, other European leagues and national teams for over a decade and con...
★★★★★
MattZip 2022/05/24
Fantastic podcast
My favorite football podcast, and it’s not even close. I have to say, it’s so refreshing to hear a “smart” football show whose host/analysts AREN’T sn...
★★★☆☆
JoeMac86 2022/09/16
OK
It’s ok
check all reviews on apple podcasts

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