The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

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 Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal. So are back threes back? Or is this just a brief moment back in the sun? And can Manchester United’s current squad adapt to Amorim’s favoured formation? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme. Producer: Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad! So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out! Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot? Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League.  Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.  The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them!  So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme  Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 everyone thinks it has. So, has data actually changed football? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme  Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-has-data-changed-football/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5697684/2024/09/03/football-analytics-uk-evolution/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad. Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme  Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers. Host: Michael Bailey  With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme  Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 English top flight. Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back. This week we have… European hopefuls, relegation candidates and the best of the rest. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 conundrums facing each team. We’ll split this into two parts - covering 10 teams this week and the rest on our next show. This week, we look at the title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Duncan Alexander and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 unbelievable number of goals. The number of goals being scored in the top division of English men’s football is at its highest rate since the 1960s. But what has caused this? Are goalkeepers not as good as they used to be at keeping the ball out of the net? What has VAR done to the game in the context of goals given or denied? And are players shooting more and better?  This and much, much more on the final Tactics podcast of the 23/24 season. Hosted by: Ali Maxwell With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme  Produced by: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 League. Mark and Michael are allowed to choose one player from each of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to make up their side. The mathematically minded amongst you will clock that only gives them eleven players, so from one team they get two picks. This episode really illustrates the truth held within that famous internet aphorism from E.M. Hudson: “Dudes can literally just sit around and name old sports players and just have the best time.” Hosted by: Ali Maxwell With: Michael Cox & Mark Carey  Produced by: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 League in men’s football. Real Madrid came from behind in the dying minutes to knock out Bayern Munich and further cement their pedigree in this competition. Borussia Dortmund ensured their surprising run this season continued by securing a second consecutive 1-0 win over Paris St Germain to take the semi-final 2-0 on aggregate. Then, we look ahead to the final on Saturday 1st June at Wembley.  Can Dortmund shock the football world to claim their second Champions League trophy at Real’s expense? Hosted by: Ali Maxwell With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Produced by: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 from Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp. We look at how well suited his style of play and personality are for taking on one of the biggest jobs in club football. And how well set up Liverpool are as a club to move on from such a legendary manager? Then, we look to the past to see if we can learn much about the future.  Can Liverpool learn anything from how Manchester United moved on from Alex Ferguson and how Arsenal handled life after Arsène Wenger? Host: Ali Maxwell With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme Producer: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers… What matters most when measuring what makes a competitive league?  Is it the finance or the depth of talent in each league year on year? Or is it how well spread both of those things are across a division?  And should looking at how competitive a league is compared to other places influence where clubs scout for players? HOST: Ali Maxwell WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme PRODUCER: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 concluded this week. First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena. We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester City failed to retain their crown as they were knocked out on penalties by the perennial Kings of Europe Real Madrid.  We also assess Paris St Germain progressing against a poorly disciplined Barcelona as well as discussing Borussia Dortmund doubling the German contingent in the semifinals with their win over Atletico Madrid. And it’s in Germany we remain for the rest of the episode to reflect on the incredible achievement of the Bundesliga’s new champions, Bayer Leverkusen. HOST: Ali Maxwell WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme PRODUCER: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 quarter finals; and what to look out for when those ties conclude next week. First up, it’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich sharing the first leg spoils by drawing 2-2 in North London. We then head to Madrid and rule the rule over the incredible 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and reigning European champions Manchester City.  Our third stop is Paris to decide who showed the most “Barca DNA” in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Paris St Germain. And finally, we return to the Spanish capital to assess whether Atheltico Madrid’s 2-1 advantage over Borussia Dortmund is enough when Diego Simeone’s side face the fierce atmosphere of the Signal Iduna Park. HOST: Ali Maxwell WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme PRODUCER: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 may drop precious points. Firstly, we run the rule over the final clash between the pretenders to the crown this season.  Was Man City vs Arsenal just really boring or were there some “tactically intriguing” aspects? The title race remains as tight as it was when we last cast our eye over it in detail five episodes ago.  But what’s changed since then that should alter the way we analyse who will win the league? And finally, which teams across the league will have the biggest role to play in tripping up Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool? HOST: Ali Maxwell WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme PRODUCER: Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to sleep and scran, elite football teams are constantly on the lookout for ways to make improvements. One thing you will learn is why they’re NOT making marginal gains… So which specialist coaching jobs have gone from niche to mainstream?  How do you measure success when a coaching role is completely brand new? And what role may be the next to evolve from non-existent to completely essential? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 side are dominating Serie A in every sense of the word.  They have a bigger lead at this stage of the season than runaway leaders Napoli had last time out and at time of recording they have the best defensive record of any team in Europe’s top five leagues. So what makes them so good? What do they do that very few, if any, other teams do at the elite level of the game? And will their manager Simone Inzaghi ever test his managerial mettle away from Italian shores? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund make up the 2024 Champions League quarter finals. So what shape are the last eight in Europe’s elite competition in?  Which individual players shone in the last 16? And how has the first knockout round changed who we think the favourites are to win the whole thing? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 managerial rivalries. Pep Guardiola's final tactical tussle with Jurgen Klopp, in the Premier League at least, is this weekend.  We look at their individual influences on the English game since they arrived and how they’ve influenced each other too. But who has struggled the most against the other: Pep vs Klopp, or vice versa? And will we ever see the like of this managerial rivalry in English football ever again? Produced by Steve Hankey. Podcast listening habits survey - theathletic.com/survey24. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 for years. At time of recording, two points separate three teams at the top of the Premier League. We’ve scoured over the three title contenders to see if we can scientifically suss out who’ll be crowned Premier League champions in May. Will it be Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal? And which small details could cause delight or downfall for each side? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to ask whether modern football teams actually want superstars anymore? Kylian Mbappé is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but, whisper it quietly; will they be a better team without him? How have Tottenham Hotspur adapted to the loss of their star man Harry Kane?  And how Have Bayern Munich had to adapt to having him? Also, is tournament football, at club and international level; the last bastion for the superstar? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Champions League enters the last 16. Will anyone be able to stop Manchester City from retaining their crown? Should Bayern Munich be amongst the favourites considering their recent blunders in the Bundesliga? And is a dark horse going to ride to glory in this year’s competition? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 adapt their style against the big boys to try and get a result, or try to play the way they want to regardless of opposition? Who has been most effective against the elite teams in the Premier League this season? And what about when elite teams play each other? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tenure. We’re broadly speaking splitting Klopp’s teams into the 2019 - 21 side as “Liverpool 1.0” and looking at this current iteration as “Liverpool 2.0” What were peak Klopp Liverpool tactically? What has and hasn’t changed in the transition to this new team? And what kind of a squad is he leaving for whoever Liverpool’s new manager is? Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 join Ali Maxwell to sift through forty five minutes of figures, including… Who is the fouliest footballer in the Premier League so far this season? Which side loves turning the opposition around at the coin toss? What is the biggest (statistical) problem with Manchester United this season? And seventeen more. Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on Jose Mourinho's fall from grace - 20 years on from winning the Champions League with Porto. Has modern club football left Mourinho behind. Do a younger generation of footballers tire of his methods too quickly and has he ever been a 'defensive' coach? Plus, why he is perfectly suited to international management now. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup, the prevailing 'narrative' has been their desperate need to sign a more clinical goalscorer in the January transfer window... But does a number 9 who could fulfil all the requirements of an Arsenal striker even exist? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme - for their first podcast of 2024 - to explore the 'unrealistic' expectations on the modern-day Premier League forward. How would an iconic frontman like Didier Drogba be judged today, is it more sustainable to have a strong finisher or to keep creating high quality chances and do goalscorers even play upfront anymore!? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss the tactical trends of 2023. The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to explore… First up, full backs and defenders moving into midfield. Inversions, actions and equal & opposite reactions are all covered here. Did the back three become an endangered species in 2023 and will wingbacks go the way of the Dodo in 2024? What were the big statistical trends this year? More goals, fewer red cards and the comeback of… the comeback. The 2023 “Calendar Year” table finds Chelsea and Aston Villa in unexpected places. And Michael reflects on the multiple tactical evolutions we saw during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Produced by Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to try and work out the best way to 'chase' a football match... Has modern football moved away from the stereotypical 'plan B' of earlier Premier League eras and how do teams like Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle keep finding late goals. Plus, how the role of the substitute might be evolving into a more specialist role and what is now asked of 'game-changers' like Harvey Elliott, Youri Tielemans, Elijah Adebayo and more... Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to discuss penalties in football... Are there too many, are they too big a reward in the VAR era, or, is it in fact becoming more difficult to score? Plus, the best player in the Premier League at winning penalties, who sent the keeper the wrong way every time, are left-footers better than right-footers and if further rule changes are in order. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we discuss Michael Cox’s argument that Bernardo Silva is the best player in the Premier League. The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to explore… First up, there’s a discussion and reflection on the managerial career of Terry Venables.  The former England and Barcelona manager passed away this week at the age of 80 after a long illness. Then, on to Bernardo Silva. How rare is his level and type of versatility? Does his ability as an elite all rounder mean he’s better than some elite players with narrower skill sets, like Haaland or Salah? And does his tactical acumen and strong communication skills mean a future in coaching is in the offing? Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Manchester United and England's Lionesses face a crucial fortnight ahead under their respective Dutch coaches Erik ten Hag and Sarina Wiegman. To compare and contrast their styles Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Charlotte Harpur to discuss their similar coaching identities and explore how much that is tied to their nation's football identity. The panel analyse their on-pitch tactical focus, with influences from Johan Cruyff and Louis van Gaal as well as their off-pitch handling of the media and personnel with their respective squads. Produced by Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A collection of Europe’s major leagues have had surprise league leaders topping the tables this season. The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris join Ali Maxwell to explore… Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. What do they do in and out of possession, how have their new signings settled in and can they sustain it to beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga? We also talk about an even bigger surprise in La Liga. At time of recording Girona top La Liga by two points ahead of Real Madrid with former Rayo Vallecano coach Michel performing a minor miracle for the Catalan minnows. There’s also a nice nod to… Nice. They aren’t top but have hovered around second place in Ligue 1 this season with a collection of players who really hit the “oh yeah that guy, he’s still around” spot.   Produced by Steve Hankey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Spurs and Man United suffered defeats in big games this week, where a red card (or two) was a big factor - The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to debate the best ways for a manager to deal tactically with a sending off... Did Big Ange's surprisingly high defensive line make sense, can you stick with three-at-the-back and is it actually harder to play against ten men? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Michael informs us - in the beginning - the beautiful game almost completely revolved around the art of 'dribbling'. So, as football continues to evolve tactically, how and why did we reach a point where many commentators are now asking: "Where have all the dribblers gone?" The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to explore... Who are the best/worst dribblers in the Premier League, what even constitutes a 'dribble' and are coaches like Pep Guardiola really responsible for the apparent lack of dribblers today? Plus, how many of Ronaldo Nazario's 414 goals were scored by dribbling the ball round the goalkeeper? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is alongside The Athletic’s Liam Thame, Mark Carey and Michael Cox to explore the varying ‘peak’ performance of strikers, and whether it’s changing over time. From Robbie Fowler who ‘peaked’ aged 20, to Fabio Quagliarella who saved his best ’til 35, the panel dissect why players hit their prime at different ages, but ask if the way we classify ‘peak’ needs updating. Plus, can ones ‘peak’ be predicted, and how is sports science altering the landscape. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jude Bellingham's been described as a player 'who can do everything', so Ali Maxwell, challenged The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to build the 'perfect' player... A left foot from Messi? As strong as Van Dijk? With Bernardo Silva's brain? Agree or disagree with our selections? Let us know in the comments. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is alongside The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander to explore the data behind David Beckham's incredible career - to discern just how good a player DB7 really was... The best crosser of the ball of all time? How accurate was the documentary? Our panel dissect the free-kicks, assists, goals and tactical roles to find out. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander to look ahead to the first Premier League meeting between last season's Top 2: Man City and Arsenal... How often have head-to-head games between the eventual top two Premier League teams decided where the title ended up? And ahead of Man City's trip to Arsenal on Sunday, a tactical preview of where the game might be won and lost and some squad selection headaches for both managers analysed. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to assess the concept of 'Ewing Theory' - the idea that any team can lose their star player and actually improve? How is this playing out in the Premier League so far this season, at Spurs after Kane... but also at West Ham after Declan Rice, Crystal Palace after Zaha and Brentford without Toney too? And can you become overly-reliant on a goalscorer in particular? The panel also find examples of the phenomenon on the continent and throughout recent history too. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to pick out their tactical insights and highlights from the opening round of Champions League group games... Why are Man United so fragile after conceding a goal, and how good was Bayern's Jamal Musiala? - 2:05 As Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win over PSV in their return to the competition - was that the perfect preparation for this Sunday's North London Derby... and are they a different proposition when Gabriel Jesus leads the line? - 7:55 Did AC Milan and Newcastle BOTH think they were the underdogs at San Siro? - 13:05 Are PSG a better team even if they're less exciting to watch now, having ditched so many of their Galacticos in the summer? - 17:01 Is Julian Alvarez making Man City fans forget about Kevin de Bruyne? - 20:40 ... Later in the pod, the panel preview the North London Derby and discuss Michael Cox's article in The Athletic - where he suggests Chelsea are playing better than their results would suggest! - 23:32 Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to reflect on Jude Bellingham's performance vs Scotland, debate whether Neymar should be considered one of football's true greats, and ask where the Spanish playmakers have gone? Plus, Nigeria's striker dilemma, Bielsa's Uruguay, and Fernando Diniz's anti-establishment tactics. Produced by Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Arsenal correspondent Art de Roche, to celebrate Bukayo Saka's evolution into possibly, the best right-sided forward in the world right now... The panel reflect on his breakthrough as a left wing-back, the tactical challenges Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta sets for him and the amazing numbers he's already posting, despite having only turned 22 years old this week! Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/tactics to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dig into why so many modern-day head coaches were once central midfielders? As Guardiola, Arteta, Xavi, Pirlo, Motta, Alonso, Amorim and others thrive - what is it about the position that lends itself to coaching and is it the most difficult position to play in a team? Has it contributed to the current hegemony of football tactics and does it also explain why the price of a good deep-lying midfielder has skyrocketed over the last year. Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Guy Clarke *** Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/tactics to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare to dissect the radical tactical overhaul in progress at Spurs... How quick, is too quick to try and implement a new tactical system and playing style - especially after losing Harry Kane so late in the window? And what can we learn from an impressive win over Manchester United last weekend? How does Ange Postecoglu's impact compare to Mikel Arteta's three years ago at Arsenal, is Bissouma good enough to play as a single pivot in midfield and are Spurs' attackers simply lacking confidence? Plus, with a week to go before the transfer window closes, where might they still need to strengthen, and you'll also hear a snippet from Mark's exclusive interview with their former set-piece coach Gianni Vio. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** Grab your EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal by going to https://nordvpn.com/tactics to get a Huge Discount off your NordVPN Plan + 4 months for free! It’s completely risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Duncan Alexander, to reflect on the opening weekend of a new Premier League season... When did Newcastle's Sandro Tonali start making those runs into the box, is Richarlison the right profile of striker for Postecoglu's Spurs and is Saka the best right-sided forward in world football right now? Plus, defenders taking goal kicks, man-to-man trends and more as our panel open their tactical notebooks once again. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Ahmed Walid and Thom Harris, to preview the rest of the Premier League teams and the biggest tactical question they'll each have to answer this season; Will Sheffield Utd have to change system after losing so many players? Why Everton are still reliant Dominic Calvert-Lewin's fitness. Will Manchester City continue to use ball-to-feet wingers? Could a more possession-based style help Nottingham Forest survive again? If building from the back will help Chelsea get back to winning ways? How will Unai Emery combine Mings and Pau Torres in the Aston Villa defence? Where are goals coming from for Wolves this season? Can Andoni Iraola give Bournemouth more of an identity? How will West Ham reconfigure their midfield after losing Declan Rice? Can Eberechi Eze lead Crystal Palace's attack this season? ... And by which metric did Ali decide the running order for the entire preview?! Produced by Adonis Pratsides & Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Ahmed Walid and Thom Harris, to preview the new Premier League season - and the big tactical dilemmas facing each team... In part one, the panel debate; How quickly the Spurs players can adapt to new manager Ange Postecoglu's principles If Brighton can 'evolve' before they're worked out Why Brentford can cope without Ivan Toney for the first six months What Newcastle will have learnt about Anthony Gordon from his success with Englands U21s If Vincent Kompany's Burnley will have to adjust their playing style in the Premier League How Arsenal's efforts to become more versatile will help them challenge for the title again If Liverpool will still suffer from the same defensive achilles heel Why Fulham must improve their record against the 'big teams' Why Manchester United have to get better at attacking set-pieces And why Luton are going to be a lot of fun to watch Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Harris introduces The Athletic's new podcast series, Access All Areas: Brentford. It's a behind the scenes look at how to build a modern Premier League team. In this episode - episode 2 of the series - Jay talks to those responsible for Brentford's famed recruitment strategy to detail how they scout and how they convince players that west London is a place for them to thrive. To listen to the full series click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic has just launched its brand new, daily 10 minute podcast for all those people who are just too busy in the mornings for anything longer. It’s called The Daily Football Briefing and will bring you right up to speed with the biggest stories from the night before and what to expect from the day ahead. Missed a big transfer story? David Ornstein will have you covered. What’s the latest about that club’s takeover saga? Matt Slater will have the latest. What’s Lionel Messi getting up to in MLS? Our American experts will know best. It’s your essential guide to the biggest stories in football - all wrapped up before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee. Follow and subscribe to The Athletic’s Daily Football Briefing for free wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined - straight after the full-time whistle - by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Ahmed Walid, to dissect Manchester City's 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League final... The panel break down the tactical story of a cagey finale in Istanbul, big team selection decisions and the culmination of City's tactical evolution into a truly formidable 'cup side'. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to discuss whether tournament and league football needs to be treated differently, perhaps even viewed as entirely different disciplines... Plus, a look ahead to this weekend’s Champions League final, as Manchester City look to complete the treble vs Inter Milan. Produced by Jay Beale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to review a record-breaking and unforgettable Premier League season... in just 10 matches. From early warning signs of De Bruyne x Haaland's link up and Arsenal's leaky defence, to Spurs self-destruction, Villa's transformation and Leeds' lack of goals. Plus, an interesting discussion about xG underperformance in strikers who do a lot more than shoot and where the cut-off for parachuting in an interim manager should be. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to pick their alternative Premier League Team of the Season - The catch? They can only select one player from each team in the bottom half of the table (plus one bonus pick)... Forget Saka v Salah as the guys condemn the lack general lack of viable full-back options, wrestle with the data and accidentally unearth the best player in the bottom half of the league. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey following the conclusion of the Champions League semi-finals. Man City swept away holders Real Madrid in a crushing 4-0 victory, 5-1 on aggregate, so how did they do it? Were they that incredible, or were Madrid that far below par? Meanwhile, Inter beat city rivals Milan over two legs to set up a tasty final against Pep Guardiola’s side. There’s also a section dedicated to imminent new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, and how he could set up the Blues next season. The west Londoners have a huge squad, so who may thrive under the former Spurs boss, and who is unlikely to? Produced by Mike Stavrou & Jay Beale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pragmatic Xavi, Busquets' successor and is it actually a good idea to bring Messi back in the summer? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and John Muller to explain how Barcelona won the league...  An outstanding defensive record, playing to Lewandowski's strengths, why Pedri and Gavi are not simply Xavi and Iniesta 'mini-clones' & how a prodigious young coach has balanced a squad overhaul, the mantle of being Guardiola's "disciple" and Real Madrid's continued success in Europe.  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander to explain Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role for Liverpool and assess to what extent it's responsible for their recent good run of form...  Is he any more creative in central areas and are Liverpool better defensively? Was Trent really having a bad season and will he chase down Ryan Giggs' Premier League assists record?  Plus, the impact on some of his teammates, if this tactical switch is a 'Plan B' or the blueprint for next season and if Liverpool can sneak into the Top 4.  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan Alexander makes his tactics pod debut, joining The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and host Ali Maxwell, to discuss a potentially record-breaking number of goals being scored in the Premier League this season...  Why the art of defending seems to have lost its appeal, why we're seeing more goals in big games and to what extent the five subs rule, the World Cup, manager sackings and 'mysterious goalkeeper injury-enforced breaks' have contributed. Plus as Big Sam Allardyce steps in at Leeds, the panel reflect on his title as one of the 'forefathers of football analytics', what he'd be capable of with Thomas Frank's hair and some salient advice for what not to do on a golf course in a thunderstorm. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's tactics writers Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid, to reflect on a chastening defeat for Arsenal as Manchester City wrestled back control in the Premier League title race...  How did Pep Guardiola's tactical set-up help them dominate the match? Have Arteta's Arsenal become slightly predictable and is that understandable, considering they are still at a relatively early stage in their own development? Plus, what exactly is Kevin de Bruyne the 'best in the world' at and is the treble really on for Man City now? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Charlotte Harpur to assess the final four teams in the Women's Champions League, as Chelsea face Barcelona and Arsenal meet Wolfsburg, without Leah Williamson...  The panel reflect on how mounting injury lists for both English teams will affect the balance of the games, how England Euro 2022 star Keira Walsh is adapting to life in Barcelona and discuss the WSL title run-in too. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect and appreciate Manchester City's physicality, Real Madrid's insane semi-final record, Inter's defence and Milan's secret weapon... Plus, why Liam loves Vini Jr, Michael's defence of Lampard's tactics and the pleasure of still being able to watch Giroud doing what he does best. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Philipp Lahm at the base of a midfield, to Eto'o the winger, Zinchenko the inverted full-back, Kevin de Bruyne the crossing no.8 and Gundogan the goalscorer; Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and John 'Big Ticket' Muller, to explore the brief history of Pep Guardiola's constantly evolving tactics... Why Grealish and Bernardo Silva offer Man City more defensive protection, the Messi 'false 9' falsehood and how he might try to tweak the tactics next. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is mastering the art of winning 'without playing well' something that all great sides need to learn? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme to investigate... What do Ancelotti's Real Madrid and Fergie's Manchester United have in common, what does 'playing well' even mean and why Champions must know how to "suffer". Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to reflect on Mesut Ozil's retirement and the 'death of the luxury no.10'... Was Ozil a specific case or has does the game no longer have any room for 'specialists', where else on the pitch have the guys noticed significant change and how have the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Mason Mount, Kieran Tierney and more been affected. Plus, find out more about 'the last of the sweepers', Salvatore Fresi. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali, Mark and Liam reconvene for another bonus tactics podcast to examine Southgate's use of 'data' in his alarming recent comments about decreasing Premier League minutes for English youngsters... Did his interpretation of the statistics lack context, how does English football compare with other major European footballing nations and is the U21 job as 'utterly impossible' as previous head coaches have suggested? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to explore Liam's favourite subject, Brighton... Has Roberto de Zerbi actually improved them since Graham Potter was poached by Chelsea and has Brighton's goalscoring form also laid bare Potter's coaching blindspot? How well-suited would De Zerbi be to succeeding Antonio Conte at Spurs? RDZ's use of wingers such as Mitoma and March, swapping Robert Sanchez for Jason Steele in goal and the revival of the good old' through ball! Plus, completely buying into a data-led recruitment strategy, how easy a model it is for their Premier League rivals to replicate and the '3 things Brighton do better than your favourite team'. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Ahmed Walid to explore Napoli's marvellous season and discuss whether or not they can go onto to win this year's Champions League, as well as, a first Serie A title since 1989/90... Does head coach Luciano Spalletti get enough credit for continuing to innovate at 64 years old? Is star-striker Victor Osimhen destined for a Premier League move to Manchester United or Chelsea and which of Kvaratskhelia's many nicknames is your favourite? Plus, does the 'perfect UCL play-style' exist and how to effectively rank all the remaining sides who safely made it through to the Champions League quarter-finals this week. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/EPL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of our investigation into the state of PL management, Ali, Michael, Mark and Liam ask how important is a manager and if we can ever prove definitively whether a manager is good or bad? The Athletic's tactics team explore the evolution of the manager's position from arranging the team's transportation to setting pressing traps! How much can a Premier League manager impact a team and are we able to actually predict whether a new manager will be a 'good fit' for a particular football club using A.I.? Plus, the panel embark on some myth-busting involving the 'new manager bounce' and if every manager simply deserves 'more time'. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite huge disappointment for both Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Rashford this week, host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey & Liam Tharme for a bonus episode to dissect the frighteningly good numbers the pair have posted already this season... Has Rashford found his best position and how much credit does Benni McCarthy deserve for his resurgence? What is Mbappe hilariously bad at and does he thrive despite the tactical flaws at PSG? How Rashford has matured as a footballer and why Mbappe to Real Madrid is problematic. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part one of a two-part investigation into the state of Premier League management, host Ali Maxwell & The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, explore the many reasons why it is becoming impossible to become a 'long-serving' manager in the most demanding league in the world... How long is the optimum tenure of a Premier League manager now, how Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger warped our perceptions of longevity and success, how PL data compares to the other major European leagues and if increased media scrutiny, player power and data analytics has simply made the job more draining! Produced by Adonis Pratsides and Ben Green *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After praise for Marco Rose's RB Leipzig in their Champions League draw with Man City on Wednesday night, host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme explore the many virtues of Red Bull Football... How is the philosophy defined on and off the pitch, what is the make-up of the quintessential 'RB' player, the coaching tree from Ralf Rangnick down and how effective it has been in the Premier League? Plus, as the high-octane playing style has taken hold across Europe, has it actually made the game more or less watchable, does it lend itself to knockout tournament football and why managers like Jesse Marsch and Ralph Hasenhuttl can't just be plucked from within the multi-club model and expected to flourish. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/EPL Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How badly are Arsenal missing Gabriel Jesus, why Pep courted disaster with Bernardo Silva at left-back again, why Chelsea are not missing Aubameyang despite their problems infront of goal and why Kylian Mbappe is the best in the world... Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and (award-nominated) Liam Tharme reflect on all the midweek Premier League and Champions League action. The panel discuss best-practice when taking a corner *cough Chelsea*, how to Gabriel Martinelli's form, a quietly impressive display for Spurs' Pape Matar Sarr and why PSG keep making the same old mistakes in Europe. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. • Building a bet just got easier! Visit livescorebet.com to find out more about how to make your selections today! 18+ only Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is Ten Hag getting the best out of Marcus Rashford? Which London-based club are the worst at shooting in the division and who is the most left-footed? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, to explore what the data tells us about your favourite Premier League team... Which young goalkeeper has the lowest save percentage, who are the most fouled team, which unlikely Big 6 club needs to 'get it in the mixer' more often and more 'pub ammo' for the PPDA generation! *** • Get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase at athleticgreens.com/epl Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Kane's 267th goal for Spurs in their 1-0 win over Man City last week, put him clear of the great Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer. In this week's bonus offering, host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to dissect a truly incredible achievement... Can we chart his evolution into a more 'complete' player by analysing his shot locations over the years, how many different types of goals can Harry score and at which point (and under which manager) was Kane at his absolute peak? Plus - if he were to leave Tottenham this summer - which European giant would be the best fit and is he on course for Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals too? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No signings in January and Anthony Gordon off to Newcastle - so what chance does Sean Dyche have of avoiding Premier League relegation with his new Everton side? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme to explore... Where can Dyche look to instantly improve them, despite a baptism of fire against league-leaders Arsenal and the small matter of a Merseyside derby? What can we learn from the numbers behind his Burnley team and who in this current Everton squad can benefit most from his arrival? *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. Get 20% Off and FREE shipping with the code EPL23 at manscaped.com Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 'tempo dictator', 'metronome' with a 'youthful exuberance', The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to put Chelsea's British transfer record-breaking signing - Enzo Fernandez - under the microscope... How versatile is he and how well will he adapt to Graham Potter's burgeoning Chelsea team? Plus more on his impressive passing repertoire, whether or not he is the ideal candidate to replace the departed Jorginho and why he's an outlier in more way than one, in terms of British record signings. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erling Haaland has scored 25 Premier League goals already. Enough to win the Golden Boot in 12 of the last 30 seasons (16 if you he'd be willing to share the award) - but has he made Manchester City better? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to investigate... How is performing against his expected goals tally and are there any signs that he'll slow down in the second half of the campaign? Are City better as both an attacking & defensive unit with Haaland in the team and how has his arrival impacted his team-mates - most notably Kevin de Bruyne. Plus, as Pep Guardiola surpassed 500 top-flight league games in management, how are City 'evolving' once again and how the 22-year-old Haaland is already becoming a more complete footballer under his tutelage. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having narrowly missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk and with reports suggesting Leandro Trossard could be on his way to the Emirates, host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme, to bust some myths about Premier League squad depth and the accusation that Arsenal's squad is still too thin to win the Premier League... The panel delve into the history books to see how many players it really takes to lift the title, how previous winners have acted in the January transfer market, how cup-runs factor into the equation and if versatility trumps sheer quantity? Plus, how a lack of rotation during Liverpool's 63-game season last year contributed to a downturn in results lately, if Graham Potter simply has too many players at Chelsea and how substitution coaches and five subs rules have changed the game. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once described by Jurgen Klopp as 'the architect of their success', why have Liverpool failed to replace Georginio Wijnaldum? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and Liam Tharme - for a bonus podcast - to scout for some potential reinforcements from around Europe and in the Premier League... The panel dive into the data to produce a handful of midfielders the club could look to in the transfer market and revisit how good Wijnaldum actually was in Liverpool's title-winning season of 2019/20. Plus, how and why Klopp's midfield has evolved into a more 'creative' than 'functional' one and if the centre of the pitch is ultimately to blame for a downturn in results this season? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, to assess what January loanees Joao Felix and Wout Weghorst will bring to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively... Are Felix's numbers reliable given the system in which Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid play and are we allowed to completely ignore Weghorst's stint at Burnley last season? The panel also reflect on Chelsea's wider tactical problems, how Graham Potter succeeded at Brighton and whether Weghorst's arrival simply buys United more time to find a marquee striker this summer? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme for a closer look at Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur... As second-half comebacks have become almost routine at Spurs, our panel investigate the tactical issues, squad limitations and off-field drama at the heart of the phenomenon. Plus, Kane and Son's role reversal, an over-reliance on Kulusevski for creativity, problems building out from the back, how good their summer transfer window was in hindsight and which January targets could really help this month. *For more on Spurs why not check out our twice-weekly Tottenham podcast 'The View From The Lane', available wherever you get you podcasts. Produced by Adonis Pratsides *** This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp, Visit betterhelp.com/tactics today to get 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ali Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to breakdown the world cup final - one of the most remarkable games of football you'll ever see and a contender for the best final of all-time. Amidst all the drama and narrative, how was the game actually won and lost? From Messi's calmness in the big moments, to Di Maria's crowning performance, to Mbappe's ultimately forlorn heroics, our panel pore over the detail and analyse every aspect of this unforgettable occasion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's tactics writers, Michael Cox and Liam Tharme, dissect the World Cup semi-finals and ponder the big tactical questions facing Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni ahead of Sunday's final... Is Griezmann a 'complete' footballer, how Thuram's introduction wrestled control back from Morocco and how 'Scaloni roulette' nullified Croatia's midfield. Plus, the various selection headaches facing both managers - Di Maria, Rabiot, Konate and more. Will Morocco have any regrets about tweaking their shape for France and will Croatia come again after Luka Modric's last World Cup? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to assess the World Cup final 4... What tactical lessons might Morocco learn from England's plan for Kylian Mbappe? Could Argentina's 'ill-discipline' cost them, and Messi, a place in Sunday's final? Is Griezmann actually leading the race for the Golden Ball? And how Croatia have improved since the World Cup final in 2018. Plus, the proper order for a successful World Cup penalty shoot-out and why big inquests in to Brazil and England's World Cup exits are unnecessary. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell returns and joins The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore the tactical system behind Brazil's beautiful football... The similarities with both Manchester City and Arsenal, playing two number 10s in an era of none and their philosophical evolution since the 'dark days' of 2010 and 2014. Plus, Casemiro's quality, Raphinha's role as creator-in-chief and if set-pieces are still an Achilles heel? The panel also discuss what they have in common with fellow quarter-finalists France - and how England should set up against them on Saturday. Why Argentina are such a 'throwback', the 'functional' Netherlands and how much happier everyone in Portugal's attack looked without Ronaldo. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Athletic's Mark Carey, Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid pause to reflect on the conclusion of the World Cup group stages...  The panel discuss the strength of England's last-16 opponents Senegal, as well as Argentina's aggression and Messi in a more classic false-9 role. Whether it's actually fair to judge Australia by their low xG numbers and how else to decide between two teams level at the end of the group stage besides fair play! Ahmed reckons Morocco's Hakim Ziyech is back to his 'Ajax best' and Michael explains why Belgium's golden generation have already won. Plus, Spain's Achilles heel and how Japanese tinkering almost cost them a place in the knockout stages.  Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Carey is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Liam Tharme to reflect on the most interesting tactical trends and data insights from the second round of World Cup matches... A distinct lack of shots from distance, the impact of substitute strikers and why any memorable tournament really needs the big favourites to make it out of the group stage. Plus, 'steering wheel' full-back systems, how Brazil are coping without Neymar and Onana's goal kicks! Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Carey hosts in Ali's absence as The Athletic's tactics writers, Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid, reflect on the key takeaways and trends from the opening round of World Cup group games... How did Japan and Saudi Arabia pull off two historic World Cup upsets and how much of it was down to tactical flexibility and ingenuity. Were Spain actually underrated going into the tournament and how are their front 3 functioning even without a more traditional number 9? Plus, France's many ways to hurt the opposition, Kieran Trippier's importance to England, goalless draws, increased injury time and a bit of a Canada love-in too. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast’s World Cup preview, host Ali Maxwell is once again joined by Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to run through the rest of teams competing at next week’s tournament... In this episode they cover: Group B (featuring England, Wales and the USA), C (Favourites Argentina), D (Reigning World champions France) and last but not least, Group F (Belgium, Canada and 2018 finalists Croatia).The panel discuss whether England fans are too negative, and why USA supporters have a similarly downbeat view of their own national side. How far can Canada’s Golden Generation go? And could Canadian striker Jonathan David have an outside chance of scooping the Golden Boot? Produced by Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to breakdown the data and the tactical trends behind every World Cup nation set to compete in Qatar next week... In this podcast (part 1 of 2) our panel navigate Groups H and E (their own personal favourites) as well as Group G (Brazil's) and Group A (containing Netherlands & Senegal). Will Cristiano Ronaldo's club drama plague Portugal too, how much can we expect from Uruguay's very old guard and who will shine the brightest from the 'Group of Wonderkids', including Bayern's Jamal Musiala, Barcelona's Pedri and... Sunderland's Jewison Bennette! Plus, were Cameroon unlucky at AFCON, why Coxy has a soft spot for Netherlands and more. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell and The Athletic's Michael Cox delve into World Cup data from every tournament since 1998 in an attempt to establish the anatomy of a World Cup-winning team... How good do you actually have to be to win a World Cup? Is current form actually the best reason to pick a player and how big a role experience plays on the biggest stage of all. Plus, odd trends involving unlikely stars of the tournament, slow-starters in the group stages, non-goalscoring no.9s, clean sheet records, Didier Deschamps' underrated tactical intelligence and plenty more myth-busting besides. ... Make sure you're subscribed to this feed to ensure you catch our two-part World Cup 2022 preview podcasts next week. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to review the bonkers and the brilliance from the Champions League group stages as 16 teams made it through to the knockout rounds... Are Man City deserving favourites, how Spalletti's super-slick Napoli continue to impress, Milan's interesting age-profile, leaky Dortmund, patchy Liverpool and so much more. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined, as usual, by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to investigate the stats behind set-pieces and how they have evolved as the influence of data and analytics has grown... Precisely what constitutes a set-piece goal, how decision-making has been impacted, are out-swinging or in-swinging corners more effective in the Premier League and who are the best and worst exploiters? Plus, Megan Campbell, of Liverpool Women, and her extraordinary throw-ins, Ben Tozer's threat in League Two, why Michael has been impressed by Fulham this season and which countries possess the biggest World Cup set-piece threats? Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to discuss Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or win... The numbers behind an incredible year for the Real Madrid striker, comparisons with the legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo, and how his form has forced those who work in football data analytics to reconsider a player's 'peak age'. Plus, how Mane pipped Salah in the standings, Mbappe the provider, if Courtois had a point, which of the Kopa finalists have the highest ceiling and why Alexia Putellas shouldn't have won the Women's award for a second successive year. Produced by Adonis Pratsides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices