Podcast Episodes

Where have all the French managers gone?

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 leagues.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Ca…

Published on 5 months ago

How PSG became Champions League favourites

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’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the firs…

Published on 5 months, 1 week ago

How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite

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 relegation last season have become one of the most difficu…

Published on 5 months, 1 week ago

How to win a football match

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 and explain what coaches are actually watching on th…

Published on 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Foreign International Managers

In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football.

German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week. 

So we’re going to reflect on some…

Published on 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Who are the Champions League favourites now?

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 look back on what’s happened and what the rest of the C…

Published on 6 months ago

Are set pieces more important than ever?

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 are the best or worst at them?

Host: Michael Bailey…

Published on 6 months, 1 week ago

How every position has evolved

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 and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed?

Ho…

Published on 6 months, 2 weeks ago

How data and AI is shaping football

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 and analysis

Plus… what the future could hold in ter…

Published on 6 months, 3 weeks ago

Building the ideal modern day centre-back

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… and how has the role changed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mic…

Published on 7 months ago