Podcast Episodes

Champions League notebook

The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results. 

So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are the favourites shaping up, and who has caught our eye on …

Published on 11 hours ago

How to fix Liverpool

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 crucially, how do they fix their issues?

Host: Michael Bailey

W…

Published on 1 week ago

A guide to the 4-4-2 formation

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 in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been ste…

Published on 2 weeks ago

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

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future…

Published on 2 weeks, 4 days ago

Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?

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 Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squad b…

Published on 3 weeks ago

Why goalkeepers are going long

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. 

Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?

Host: Duncan Alexander 

With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey 

Hos…

Published on 4 weeks ago

Why the promoted sides are so much better this season

Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. 

How are they doing it and more importantly, can they sustain it?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Micha…

Published on 1 month ago

Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?

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 Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing in front …

Published on 1 month, 1 week ago

Why has this season started so slowly?

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 influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and unc…

Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Pressing 101: Why Arsenal and PSG are so good

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 - and worst - and how has it changed from when it wa…

Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago