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.

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast is a sports podcast hosted by The Athletic, with 327 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

The Athletic hosts The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast, a sports show with 327 episodes published.

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  The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

  Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?

  Jun 9, 202644 min

  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! With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

  The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams

  Jun 4, 202636 min

  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 — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad. Host: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

  2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways

  May 28, 202640 min

  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 what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

  How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League

  May 21, 202636 min

  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: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

  Alternative Team of the Season

  May 14, 202641 min

  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: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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