The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations.From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other?Let’s build a compl...

The impact of football’s relentless schedule

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule.What impact is it having on players and matches?And… can we measure whether football ...

Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European r...

Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Totte...

Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 foot...

The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s mailbag time!On this episode we’ll discuss:Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, M...

Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host: Michael BaileyGues...

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

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

No sweet home: Is 'home advantage' fading?

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 taki...

A stat for every Premier League club

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How to fix Man United in the short term

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Underrated Premier League players & formation changes

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style subs...

Who has the most settled squad in the Premier League?

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Has Salah actually declined?

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?Host: M...

Who are the Premier League's most versatile players?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Can Spurs and Frank make it work?

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Thoma...

Have Arsenal built the Premier League’s best ever defence?

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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: Mich...

Why are defensive midfielders scoring so many goals?

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Champions League notebook

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results. So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are t...

How to fix Liverpool

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 cruciall...

A guide to the 4-4-2 formation

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more

19 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jur...

Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Bellin...

Why goalkeepers are going long

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?Host...

Why the promoted sides are so much better this season

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. How are they doing it and more import...

Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has ...

Why has this season started so slowly?

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend.Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the in...

Pressing 101: Why Arsenal and PSG are so good

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - we focus on pressing. What does it involve in the modern game, which teams do it best - a...

Mavericks, Donnarumma & are Arsenal too cautious?

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time!We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts —...

Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’ll tell you why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system he insists on using at Manchester United, isn’t functioning.And we’ll look at othe...

Dowman and Ngumoha: The pathway for academy players

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re charting the journey from academy to first team football.What are the main tactical challenges in making the jump, and how has the ...

Long throws & tall No.9s: The Premier League goes old school

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

One week of the Premier League season down, 37 to go.And today we’re asking whether the English top flight has gone old school… with more long thr...

New-look Liverpool & pragmatic Spurs: Premier League preview

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. We’re kickstarting the new season with our big Premier League preview show.We’ll analyse the...

Creating the England DNA

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode five of Football Architects we look at how England changed their fortunes from tournament failures to final makers - and in the women's cas...

The secrets behind football's data pioneers

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode four of Football Architects, we hear from the architects of the data world, who have worked for the biggest football clubs in England.Every...

Forging Croatia's Golden Generation

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode three of Football Architects, we’re focusing on international football's great over-performers, Croatia.We’ll hear from Romeo Jozak, th...

How Belgium marched to world number one

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode two of Football Architects, we’re focusing on the rise that took a stagnant Belgium to number one in FIFA’s world rankings.We’ll hear...

How Cruyff inspired Ajax's rebirth

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Over the next five weeks, we’ll tell the stories of estee...

Are strikerless formations the future?

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this final show of the season, we’re bringing you the eagerly anticipated listener mailbag.We’ll focus on strikerless systems, wing-backs vs fu...

Was the 2024/25 Premier League season boring?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s show, we’re reviewing the 2024-25 season - looking at statistical trends across the Premier League. We’ll also focus on the ...

Champions League final preview

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Duncan Alexander, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme preview the Champions League final between I...

Alternative team of the Premier League season 24/25

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, it’s alternative team of the season time!To remind you of the rules, instead of focusing on the top teams - we all pick an eleven w...

Ancelotti, Conte and the tactics of Italian managers

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re talking Italian managers.Specifically… Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte.Ancelotti will be joining the Brazilian men’s na...

Arsenal’s long throws & the best knockout tie ever?

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s show, we’re focused on the second legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We’ll analyse a tie for the ages - Inter’s 7-6 aggr...

Yamal's new heights & PSG's press

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s show, we analyse the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We’ll discover how PSG’s press nullified Arsenal, and discuss...

Which teams deserve Champions League football next season?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re looking at an incredibly tight race in the Premier League to seal European football for next season.And we’ll discuss which of tho...

Champions League final four

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we look back at the Champions League quarter finals. We also look ahead to the semi-finals and discuss the merits of Arsenal, Paris ...

Where have all the French managers gone?

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re focusing on French footballing identity.And we’ll attempt to discover why there is a lack of French managers across Europe’s top...

How PSG became Champions League favourites

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG.They’...

How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.We’ll break down how a team who flirted with r...

How to win a football match

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re focusing our attention on the metrics which win you football matches - other than goals and assists.We’ll talk second balls, duels...

Foreign International Managers

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football.German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England m...

Who are the Champions League favourites now?

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re focusing our attention on the Champions League.This season’s competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to ...

Are set pieces more important than ever?

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces.Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams a...

How every position has evolved

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years.For example, what do No.8s do differently now a...

How data and AI is shaping football

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment an...

Building the ideal modern day centre-back

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re diving into the world of centre-backs! What traits do they need in today’s game, what does a good partnership now look like… an...

Which January signing will have the biggest impact?

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and b...

Premier League analysed: A stat for every club

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal P...

Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.What is it about them that has i...

Myth-busting pundit cliches

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at t...

Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season.So t...

Festive Football Tactical Notebook

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactica...

2024 tactical trends

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024.We’re talking trends, teams, players, standou...

The Premier League’s overachievers

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth,...

How to manage leads and dangerous scorelines

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing.And… can we come up with...

Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, th...

How do teams cope without their star players?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, ...

Back Three Formations

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about back three formations.Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. And Simone...

Hansi Flick’s brave Barcelona

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side.Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Cla...

Have Liverpool evolved under Arne Slot?

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot.It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpo...

Assessing the promoted teams' survival chances

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survi...

Can managers succeed without a team of stars?

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xab...

Mailbag: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10s & tactical revolutions

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for t...

Has data’s impact on football been overstated?

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that eve...

Salah the elite creator: how players evolve over time

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring.How do elite players alter...

How to build a Premier League squad

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad.Matt Davi...

What the Premier League's opening weekend didn't tell us

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems.We look at how the top teams fared ...

Tactical Premier League preview - part two

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the Eng...

Tactical Premier League preview - part one

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On this first episode of the new season, we are previewing the upcoming 2024/2025 Premier League campaign - with a particular focus on the tactical co...

Why were there so many goals this season?

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to talk about why this Premier League season has had an unb...

Alternative Team of the Season 2023/24

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to put together an alternative team of the season from the 23/24 Premier...

Champions League semi final review and final preview

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the final stages of this season’s Champions Le...

How well set up are Liverpool for life after Klopp?

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how Liverpool can ensure a smooth succession fro...

What's the most competitive league in Europe?

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe...

Champions League review & how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which co...

Champions League quarter finals first leg review

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the halfway point of the Champions League qua...

Where will the Premier League contenders slip up?

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at where the Premier League title contenders...

The rise of specialist coaches

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Jay Harris, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at specialist coaches.From set pieces to subs...

How Inter are dominating Serie A

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Jon Mackenzie join Ali Maxwell to do a deep dive into Internazionale.Simone Inzaghi’s ...

Champions League notebook: Is the tournament about to come alive?

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League last 16.Manchester City,...

Klopp vs Guardiola: an era-defining rivalry

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on one of the Premier League’s great man...

Breaking Down The Three Horse Title Race

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell break down what is potentially the most exciting title race...

Do teams want superstars anymore?

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to ask whether modern football teams actually want supersta...

The Champions League knockouts: A deep dive

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to give an overview of the runners and riders as the Champi...

How To Beat Elite Teams

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how to take on the elite teams.Should teams adap...

The evolution of Klopp's Liverpool tactics

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the tactical differences between the two eras of...

Premier League Stat Attack

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, the Tactics Pod team launch a load of stats into your ears, so strap in.The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme joi...