The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

This week, there’s only one topic in town: Manchester United Football Club.Ruben Amorim’s gone, so how do they go about replacing him — both in the short, and long term?And how does any club figure out its managerial appointments, from caretaker and interim bosses to those all-in project managers.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

This week — we’re opening our festive mailbag!We discuss the Christmas tree formation, teams who should change systems, basketball-style substitutions and more.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

This week — we’re talking about the tactics surrounding player power.Can stars be given total freedom, or is the collective more important?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

On this episode, we run through some of the high profile players to have switched positions in the Premier League recently.Also - what makes players flexible? And who excels in multiple roles?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Liam Tharme, Michael Cox, Cerys JonesProducer: Mike Stavrou

This week — we’re discussing how managers make the jump from a relatively small club, to one of the big guns, and with a particular focus on Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

This week - we’re asking if defence really wins you titles.Should you build your team around a solid defence — or a free-flowing attack?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou

This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou

The Champions League returned this week with some huge clashes and intriguing results. So, at the halfway point of the league phase — how are the favourites shaping up, and who has caught our eye on Europe’s biggest stage?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducers: Mike Stavrou, Ben Green & Steve Hankey