The Athletic Football Tactics Podcast
232 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsHosted by Ali Maxwell, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers to break down the tactical and technical details behind the biggest footballing stories each week - assessing the latest trends, systems, players, managers and all manner of statistics in order to give you a deeper understanding of the game.
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Episodes
Pep Guardiola’s never-ending tactical evolution
April 14, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutesFrom 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. Pro...
The Art of winning 'without playing well'
April 06, 2023 16:35 - 40 minutesIs 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 f...
Why football left Mesut Ozil & 'the specialists' behind
March 31, 2023 04:00 - 57 minutesHost 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 Adon...
Was Southgate right about the supply line of English talent?
March 30, 2023 14:05 - 16 minutesAli, 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....
Brighton's Super-strengths: De Zerbi v Potter, Scouting Mitoma & The race for Europe
March 23, 2023 15:45 - 53 minutesHost 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 ...
Osimhen, Kvara & Why Spalletti's Napoli CAN win the Champions League
March 16, 2023 16:10 - 49 minutesHost 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 ...
PART TWO: Potter, Conte & A New Manager Bounce - How important is the manager?
March 10, 2023 05:00 - 1 hourIn 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...
Rashford x Mbappe: Goals, super-strengths & how to stop them
March 09, 2023 15:05 - 21 minutesDespite 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 w...
PART ONE: What constitutes success for a Premier League manager?
March 02, 2023 16:55 - 50 minutesIn 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 ...
Red Bull Football: What makes an 'RB player' & Does it work in the Premier League?
February 23, 2023 16:25 - 57 minutesAfter 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 Euro...
How Man City beat Arsenal, Mbappe's 30-minute masterclass & Goal-shy Chelsea
February 16, 2023 15:55 - 43 minutesHow 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 Martinell...
What does the data say about your favourite PL team?
February 10, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutesHow 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 t...
Harry Kane - The evolution of Spurs all-time record goalscorer
February 09, 2023 15:05 - 18 minutesHarry 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 whi...
Sean Dyche's Everton rescue mission
February 03, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutesNo 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 Everto...
Enzo 'The Metronome' Fernandez & What Chelsea can expect
February 02, 2023 15:15 - 18 minutesA '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 o...
Has Erling Haaland made Man City better?
January 26, 2023 15:45 - 47 minutesErling 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 i...
Trossard, Mudryk & How many players do Arsenal need to win the Premier league?
January 19, 2023 16:07 - 55 minutesHaving 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...
Scouting for Liverpool's 'next Wijnaldum'
January 16, 2023 16:05 - 31 minutesOnce 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 ...
Why Chelsea gambled on Joao Felix & What Weghorst will bring to Man Utd
January 12, 2023 17:10 - 55 minutesHost 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...
Conte's Spurs: Kane's goals, January transfers & 'Second-Half FC'
January 05, 2023 16:00 - 53 minutesHost 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 ...
World Cup Final tactical breakdown
December 19, 2022 17:13 - 55 minutesAli 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 o...
Shackling Griezmann, 'Big-Game' Di Maria - Argentina v France: World Cup Final Preview
December 15, 2022 15:20 - 41 minutesHost 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...
Morocco's 'England' Blueprint & The Perfect Penalty Shoot-Out: World Cup Semi-Final Preview
December 12, 2022 14:47 - 48 minutesHost 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 Brazi...
The tactics behind Tite's 'Joga Bonito' Brazil
December 07, 2022 17:00 - 46 minutesHost 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-fina...
Aussie xG, Ziyech's Quality & Blame it on Lukaku: World Cup Notebook - Round 3
December 02, 2022 13:40 - 37 minutesThe 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 be...
Replacing Neymar, Onana's Goal-kicks & Asymmetric Full-Backs: World Cup Notebook - Round Two
November 29, 2022 12:48 - 39 minutesMark 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 mo...
How Japan Beat Germany, 100+ Mins Injury Time & Spanish Attacking Rotations: World Cup Notebook - Round One
November 25, 2022 13:30 - 34 minutesMark 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 t...
England's Control, Beating Messi’s Argentina & The Real ‘Dark Horses’: The Big World Cup Preview Pt. 2
November 18, 2022 05:00 - 1 hourIn 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...
Uruguay's Last Dance, Neymar's 'Favourites' & The Group of Wonder-kids: The Big World Cup Preview Pt. 1
November 17, 2022 05:00 - 1 hourHost 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 sh...
How To Win The World Cup
November 10, 2022 05:00 - 55 minutesHost 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, D...
Kvaradona, Conte's Late Show & Barca's Limit: The Champions League Last 16
November 03, 2022 16:12 - 1 hourHost 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
The Stats Behind The Set-Piece Revolution
October 26, 2022 16:50 - 1 hourHost 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 th...
Karim Benzema's Ballon d'Or
October 19, 2022 15:15 - 52 minutesHost 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 an...
Liverpool vs Man City tactical preview
October 13, 2022 13:05 - 54 minutesAli Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's tactical maestros Michael Cox and Mark Carey for an in-depth preview of Sunday's game at Anfield - Liverpool against Manchester City. Should Klopp start Nunez and is there more to his game than just being a big no.9? How can that porous Liverpool defence stop the likes of Foden, Silva, De Bruyne and of course Haaland from exploiting the space in behind? Is there any way Klopp can play a front four again and try to press the life out of Man City? An intr...
Neves @ CB, Eriksen the 6 & Ben White Right-Back: PL Shape-Shifters and Measuring Football IQ
October 06, 2022 04:00 - 1 hourHost Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore how and why certain Premier League stars are being deployed in some unusual roles and positions recently... Has Ben White's move to Right-back hurt his World Cup chances, why Ruben Neves' makes sense at centre-back and if Joelinton was always destined to play in midfield? Plus, a fascinating discussion about whether or not footballers actually have 'natural' positions, why 'all-rounders' are so sought after in ...
Arsenal v Tottenham: NLD Tactical Preview
September 28, 2022 14:25 - 45 minutesHost Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's tactics writers Michael Cox and Ahmed Walid, to preview an intriguing clash of tactical styles as Arsenal and Spurs face off in the first North London Derby of the new Premier League season... The panel discuss Arsenal's progress since the arrival of players like Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko and why Conte might elect to start an attacking trio of Kane, Son and Richarlison, despite Kulusevski's impact. Plus, why set pieces have become a mas...
What will Roberto De Zerbi bring to Brighton?
September 21, 2022 15:56 - 47 minutesAli Maxwell is joined by the Athletic's Italian football correspondent James Horncastle and our tactics writer (and Brighton fan) Liam Tharme for a deep dive into the Premier League's newest head coach Roberto De Zerbi. We look at De Zerbi's journey from the very bottom of Italian football in Serie D right up to his recent successes in Serie A with Sassuolo and his time at Shakhtar Donetsk. Known for a strong commitment to possession football, we assess which members of this Brighton team wil...
xG: How Data Conquered Football with Rory Smith
September 15, 2022 04:00 - 57 minutesNew York Times' Chief Soccer Correspondent Rory Smith joins host Ali Maxwell, The Athletic's Michael Cox & Mark Carey to reflect on football's data revolution... While its effect on recruitment has been undeniable, the group discuss if data has actually impacted matters on the pitch. High-defensive lines, VAR, tactical fouls, crossing, goal-kicks and more all under the microscope as the search for a key metric for winning football matches continues... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
BONUS: Keira Walsh's Euro 2022 Final Re-Watch - Tactics, Technique & Barcelona with Michael Cox
September 10, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutesIn 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 midfiel...
Tuchel's Sacking + Messi x Nkunku, Zidane x Thiago - The modern stars who play like legends
September 07, 2022 16:28 - 59 minutesAli Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to delve into the data and attempt to uncover the modern European stars who most closely resemble some of the biggest footballing icons of the past... Is Harry Kane actually the most Messi-eque player besides Leo himself? What do Ruben Dias and Fabio Cannavaro have in common? And what position would Luis Figo actually play today? Plus: immediate reaction to Thomas Tuchel's sacking at Chelsea. Learn more about your ad choices. ...
Chelsea & Man United 'Out-Run' - Smarter Running Stats For TV Pundits
August 30, 2022 14:45 - 49 minutesHost Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, as well as, Liam Tharme and Mark Carey to explore the relationship between 'distance covered' and winning football matches... Do the best teams, also run the most in the Premier League and is there better data to show 'hard work'. What is the Robert Huth Theory and why Paolo Maldini and Jamie Vardy might both have had something to say to TV pundits in the wake of Brentford 'out-running' Manchester United earlier ...
Liverpool's Injuries, Re-training Iwobi & New Wolves in the Pack: The Anatomy of a Poor Start
August 24, 2022 13:15 - 53 minutesAfter 3 Premier League games, just 5 sides currently have 2 points or less... Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's tactics and analytics writers - Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme - to explain the various mistakes a team can make at the start of a new Premier League season... Has Liverpool's high-line been exposed one too many times and why Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez can't play next to each other. Wolves are finally shooting-on-site but should they actually shoot les...
Mount's IQ, 'Hack-a-Shaq' Tactical Fouls & Haaland v Nunez: New Season Notebook
August 18, 2022 04:00 - 55 minutesHost Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey to explore some of the interesting quirks they've noticed so far in this new Premier League season... The pros/cons of being able to make five substitutes, three-at-the-back formations winning out across the top flight and the consequences of referees 'letting the game flow more' this year. Plus, how the Haaland v Nunez debate is shaping up after just two weeks, if the deepening crisis at Old Trafford is showing any signs...
Kane 'The Roamer', Foden 'The Box Crasher' & R.I.P The Long Ball
August 11, 2022 04:00 - 1 hourThe Athletic's giant tactical minds, Michael Cox and John Muller, join host Ali Maxwell to carefully deconstruct their work on how we might redefine modern player roles and why Burnley's relegation last season signals the end of the long-ball in the Premier League... The panel reflect on the long-ball's 'glory years' and debate whether it will ever make a return to the Premier League in the future? Then, John reveals how he developed 18 new player roles, using data to better understand what...
Fulham, Bournemouth & Nottingham Forest: The Premier League New-Boys
August 03, 2022 18:00 - 1 hourHost Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Mark Carey and pod-debutant - newly appointed tactics writer - Liam Tharme, to put all three newly promoted sides under the microscope ahead of a new Premier League season... How will Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic follow up his record-breaking 43-goal season in the top flight and fill the void left by Fabio Carvalho? Can Scott Parker's Bournemouth afford to shift to a back-three without defensive reinforcements, plus, Billing 'the unicorn' and Llo...
How England Can Beat Germany: Euro 2022 Final Preview
July 29, 2022 15:30 - 40 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey, join host Ali Maxwell, to dissect two captivating semi-finals and assess the German threat to England's chances of lifting the European Championship trophy... Who's been the player of the tournament regardless of what happens in Sunday's finale, what are Germany's strengths besides Alexandra Popp, how should we reflect on France's tournament and why Michael has totally given up any hope of Alessia Russo starting the match. Learn more about your ad ch...
The Semi-Finals: How Wiegman's England Out-Thought Spain & Sweden Peaking
July 25, 2022 13:30 - 39 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to preview the semi-finals, with England facing their toughest opponents to date - Sweden and their set pieces. How exactly did Sarina Wiegman turn the tide against Spain and could Michael's player of the tournament so far - Kosovare Asllani - cause big problems for Millie Bright and the English defence on Tuesday night... Plus, the panel discuss why the current xG model may not be fit for Women's football, why Belgium have paid...
England's QF Preview: Wiegman's Rhythm, Spain's Issues & A Winger's Tournament
July 18, 2022 15:15 - 44 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell to preview England's Women's Euros Quarter-Final against Spain... How best to get the ball to Lauren Hemp, why Alessia Russo should start over Ellen White and if England's defence will receive its first proper test? Plus, a review of some of the standout performers of the tournament so far, how Germany have impressed, why Norway fell short, if Miedema can shock an unconvincing French defence and if you can pick a 'dark horse' thi...
England rampant but are France still the team to beat? | Euro 2022 tactical roundup
July 12, 2022 14:53 - 45 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on England's amazing 8-0 hammering of previously fancied Norway, looking at the stand-out performance of hat-trick hero Beth Mead but also heaping praise on the likes of Lauren Hemp, Ellen White and Keira Walsh Plus, the panel look at the rest of the tournament so far with an eye on whether France's performance in thrashing Italy 5-1 still keeps them as the team to beat, and there's analysis of Holland's 1-1 draw with...
England's Cutting Edge, Replacing Putellas & The Major Contenders @ Women's Euro 2022
July 07, 2022 11:45 - 53 minutesThe Athletic's Michael Cox and Mark Carey join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on England's nervy win on opening night at Old Trafford... Millie Bright's passing range and a selection headache for head coach Sarina Wiegman... Plus, the panel assess England's major threats; whether Group B can actually be described as a 'Group of Death', if Sweden will finally get over the line in a major tournament, if Spain can adapt to missing Alexia Putellas & Jenni Hermoso, Marie-Antoinette Katoto's unbeliev...