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.
PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence
07/05/2026 | 33 mins.
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: Michael Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where have all the goalscorers gone?
30/04/2026 | 44 mins.
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 Bailey Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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