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The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
BONUS: Keira Walsh's Euro 2022 Final Re-Watch - Tactics, Technique & Barcelona with Michael Cox
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In this bonus podcast episode, one of England's Euro 2022 heroes, Keira Walsh, sits down with The Athletic's Michael Cox to analyse her own performance in the final...
Keira talks with fascinating depth and insight about:
- Sarina Wiegman's tactical plans for Germany
- Her technique and early Barcelona influences
- Her relationship with teammates like Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson & Alessia Russo
- The nuances of being a deep-lying playmaker and inspiring the next generation to play in midfield
- The emotions of that historic Wembley final & more.
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2025/26 Tactical learnings & set piece takeaways
40:09|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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox & Liam TharmeProducer: Si WattsHow 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 StavrouAlternative 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 WattsPSG’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 StavrouWhere 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 WattsBruno 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 StavrouMan 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 WattsWho 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 StavrouMan 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