The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
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- 13. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
The Athletic's weekly tactical preview of the biggest games across the Premier League and beyond that coming weekend. Take a deep dive into the data and analytics that shape the modern game with The Athletic's data writers Liam Tharme and Mark Carey, supported by the expertise of former England international Rob Green and host Kate Mason.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Folgen 338
Identifying one position to improve every Premier League team
The international break is upon and that means one thing: review time.We’re doing things slightly differently this time. Host Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to pick a position on the pitch …
Shownotes
The international break is upon and that means one thing: review time.
We’re doing things slightly differently this time. Host Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to pick a position on the pitch for all 20 Premier League clubs to improve.
We also hear from our club show hosts on where their respective clubs need an upgrade; Ian Irving of Talk of the Devils, Ian Stone of Handbrake Off, Tony Evans of Walk On and Matt Davies-Adams of Straight Outta Cobham.
Host: Kate Mason
Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton
Executive producer: Max Curwen Bingley
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who are the worst teams in the Premier League?
As we go into our final matchweek before the November international break, we take a look at which teams are floundering at the bottom of the table, and which, against all odds, are still standing strong.With …
Shownotes
As we go into our final matchweek before the November international break, we take a look at which teams are floundering at the bottom of the table, and which, against all odds, are still standing strong.
With all three newly promoted clubs out of the relegation zone, Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to dive into why and how the newcomers are exceeding initial expectations.
Host: Kate Mason
Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Executive producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Videographer: Grayson Moody
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Liverpool vs Arsenal + can you fix Manchester United?
It’s a big one this weekend as Arsenal travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. This comes following an all time classic upset after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth tier side Fleetwood …
Shownotes
It’s a big one this weekend as Arsenal travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool. This comes following an all time classic upset after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth tier side Fleetwood Town.
Kate Mason is joined in the studio by Rob Green and tactics writer Liam Tharme to preview all the action at Anfield - a game so good they cleared the whole day for it - as well as break down the trending tactics of the season so far.
Plus, we ask ourselves the question, can you actually fix Manchester United?
Host: Kate Mason
Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Executive Producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley
Producer: Mike Stavrou, Jay Beale
Videographer: Liam Warburton
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Chelsea vs Spurs + how are Brighton this good?
It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby as Chelsea host rivals …
Shownotes
It’s a jam packed show this week as Kate Mason is joined in the studio by tacticos Liam Tharme and Rob Green to discuss all the weekend’s goings on, including a fierce London derby as Chelsea host rivals Spurs.
Plus, we’re joined by former Brighton defender Adam Webster to get an inside look at all things football on the south coast. What’s it like to play for Roberto de Zerbi? How do you stop Erling Haaland? And, the question on everyone’s lips - how are Brighton that good?
Host: Kate Mason
Panelists: Rob Green, Liam Tharme, Adam Webster
Executive producers: Adam Jones, Max Curwen Bingley
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Videographer: Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Weekend Preview: Leeds vs Man United + Spurs vs Coventry
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Liverpool vs Man City preview + a guide to 'rest defence'
This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.The matchup has been given more significance after the news of …
Shownotes
This week's Tactical Preview focuses on one of the biggest games in Premier League history: Liverpool vs Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
The matchup has been given more significance after the news of City's guilty ruling, so how will the players fare on the day and will it alter their tactical approach?
Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's tactics writer Liam Tharme to discuss the game at Anfield, plus Manchester United vs Spurs, Arsenal vs Leeds and Brentford's trip to Villa Park.
The panel also discuss the concepts of rest defence and counter-pressing; who does it best and why it is so important.
Host: Kate Mason
Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Executive Producer: Adam Jones
Producers: Mike Stavrou & Liam Warburton (
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far
The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to …
Shownotes
The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action.
Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion.
The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start.
Host: Kate Mason
Guests: Rob Green, Duncan Alexander
Executive Producer: Adam Jones
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Xavi Bird
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing
It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can …
Shownotes
It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London.
Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season.
Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season.
The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s changed over time.
Host: Kate Mason
Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Lara Sinclair
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad
Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics …
Shownotes
Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side.
The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window.
They also look at Everton vs Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs Bournemouth - and focus on how the three B’s: Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton, constantly reinvent themselves.
Host: Kate Mason
Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme
Executive Producer: Adam Jones
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Villa vs Arsenal + who has had a quietly good transfer window?
The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian …
Shownotes
The Tactical Preview is back and Aston Villa's clash against Arsenal is our primary focus this week.
Host Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's data writer Thom Harris and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke to dissect where the game will be won and lost. They focus on Villa's frailties in beating the press, Arsenal's short corners and switches of play. The Athletic's Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell also drops by to give the lowdown on Villa's midfield struggles in the defeat to Brighton.
The panel also focus on Chelsea vs Brighton, Man United vs Ipswich Town & Coventry City vs Hull City, as well as picking out the clubs who have had a quietly good transfer window.
Host: Kate Mason
Guests: Adrian Clarke, Thom Harris
Executive Producer: Guy Clarke
Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Newcastle vs Liverpool + early season tactical trends
Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an …
Shownotes
Welcome to a brand new offering on The Athletic FC Podcast as we merge with the Athletic FC Tactics Podcast.
Kate Mason, Rob Green and Liam Tharme are here to run you through the biggest matches from an analytical lens.
This week, we talk tactical trends we expect to take hold this season, while our primary focus is on the big battle at St James’ Park as Newcastle host Liverpool.
The panel also touch on champions Arsenal vs Coventry, Man City vs Bournemouth and Fulham vs Chelsea.
Host: Kate Mason
With: Rob Green and Liam Tharme
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Videographer: Lara Sinclair
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?
We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more!With a very special guest …
Shownotes
We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.
We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more!
With a very special guest - assistant coach of the Canada men’s national team, Ewan Sharp.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Joshua Kloke, Liam Tharme & Ewan Sharp
Producer: Mike Stavrou
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The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams
With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful …
Shownotes
With the World Cup right around the corner, we’re discussing the most tactically interesting teams at this summer’s tournament.
Plus, we’ll assess how the favourites are looking — and… how to build a successful World Cup squad.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Conor O’Neill & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways
What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26?Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer?Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ …
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What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26?
Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer?
Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final.
Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme
Producer: Si Watts
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How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years.So how did he change the landscape of Premier League tactics? And what comes next for Man City?Host: Michael BaileyGuests …
Shownotes
Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City this summer after 10 trophy-laden years.
So how did he change the landscape of Premier League tactics?
And what comes next for Man City?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom Harris
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Alternative Team of the Season
It’s that time of the year, already — our very special alternative Premier League Team of the Season.Who has impressed us from the sides in the bottom half of the table?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox …
Shownotes
It’s that time of the year, already — our very special alternative Premier League Team of the Season.
Who has impressed us from the sides in the bottom half of the table?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence
This week, we’re reviewing a compelling set of Champions League semi-finals.From Arsenal’s defensive solidity, to the most complete side in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain. Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox …
Shownotes
This week, we’re reviewing a compelling set of Champions League semi-finals.
From Arsenal’s defensive solidity, to the most complete side in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where have all the goalscorers gone?
With only five players across Europe’s top five leagues on 20 goals or more.Today we’re asking: where have all the goalscorers gone?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer …
Shownotes
With only five players across Europe’s top five leagues on 20 goals or more.
Today we’re asking: where have all the goalscorers gone?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ …
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Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season.
So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?
And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?
This week, there’s only one story in town — the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another …
Shownotes
This week, there’s only one story in town — the Premier League title clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Can Mikel Arteta finally get the better of his old mentor?
Or will Pep Guardiola pull yet another tactical rabbit out of his hat?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Who has the best attack in Europe?
This week, we’re diving into the world of attacking partnerships.How have roles at the top of the pitch changed over time?And must all attackers be able to defend?Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Michael Cox …
Shownotes
This week, we’re diving into the world of attacking partnerships.
How have roles at the top of the pitch changed over time?
And must all attackers be able to defend?
Host: Matt Davies-Adams
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield
This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations.From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other?Let’s build a complete midfield!Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey …
Shownotes
This week, we’re discussing midfield combinations.
From your creators, to destroyers; how do player roles complement each other?
Let’s build a complete midfield!
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The impact of football’s relentless schedule
This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule.What impact is it having on players and matches?And… can we measure whether football is actually more intense than it used to be?Host: Michael …
Shownotes
This week, we’re discussing football’s relentless schedule.
What impact is it having on players and matches?
And… can we measure whether football is actually more intense than it used to be?
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have Premier League clubs really struggled in Europe?
This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really …
Shownotes
This week, we’re discussing an enthralling round of Champions League Round of 16 ties.
From Premier League struggles and Pep Guardiola’s European record, to how good Bayern Munich and Real Madrid really are.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Duncan Alexander
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires
In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not.What have they changed at …
Shownotes
In this episode, we’re discussing whether the appointments of Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur have paid off or not.
What have they changed at their respective clubs, and are they better off for it?
Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Cerys Jones.
Producer: Steve Hankey.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are football's new laws overcomplicating the game?
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 football laws.Host: Duncan AlexanderGuests: Michael Cox, Mark …
Shownotes
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 football laws.
Host: Duncan Alexander
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The evolution of wingers, club DNA & tactical fouls
It’s mailbag time!On this episode we’ll discuss:Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast …
Shownotes
It’s mailbag time!
On this episode we’ll discuss:
Wingers, penalty rebounds, tactical fouls and much more!
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal's attacking woes & a proper relegation battle
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 have seen, and will see from the teams at the top and bottom of …
Shownotes
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 have seen, and will see from the teams at the top and bottom of the table.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Premier League trends: How to break down low blocks
This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou …
Shownotes
This week — we’re talking tactical trends… from low blocks, to headed clearances and the return of long-range screamers.
Host: Michael Bailey
Guests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Liam Tharme
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A cold, windy night in Stoke: How weather impacts football
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 nights at Stoke.To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the …
Shownotes
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 nights at Stoke.
To the scorching heat of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S.
We’ll discuss it all.
Host: Michael Bailey
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Conor O'Neill
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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