The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

327 episodes

Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?
09/06/2026 | 44 mins.
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.
The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams
04/06/2026 | 35 mins.
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.
2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways
28/05/2026 | 40 mins.
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.
How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League
21/05/2026 | 36 mins.
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.
Alternative Team of the Season
14/05/2026 | 40 mins.
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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About 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.

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