Share

The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Man City masterclass & how Pochettino could transform Chelsea
•
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.
More episodes
View all episodes

How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League
36:08|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: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou
Alternative Team of the Season
40:55|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, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Simon Watts
PSG’s brilliance & Arsenal’s immense defence
33:06|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, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
Where have all the goalscorers gone?
44:10|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: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts
Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
31:57|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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou
Man City vs Arsenal: The lowest quality title decider in years?
48:37|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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou, Si Watts
Who has the best attack in Europe?
34:25|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, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
Man United & England: How to build a complete midfield
38:38|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 & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou
The impact of football’s relentless schedule
36:24|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 BaileyGuests: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou