On October the 15th, four games into the Premier League season, we released a pod titled 'How does Guardiola get Man City back on top?' - they were struggling and looked miles off the pace.
Eight months later they have won the Premier League at a canter and have reached the Champions League final - so how has Pep done it and how does this side compare to the title winners of 17/18 and 18/19?
The Athletic's Michael Cox, Tom Worville and Ali Maxwell look at the tactics, the numbers, the key performances & performers to get to the bottom of City's title-winning campaign.
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How Guardiola made Man City champions again

Hosted 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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Football

Soccer

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the halfway point of the Champions League quarter finals; and what to look out for when those ties conclude next week.

First up, it’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich sharing the first leg spoils by drawing 2-2 in North London.

We then head to Madrid and rule the rule over the incredible 3-3 draw between Real Madrid and reigning European champions Manchester City. 

Our third stop is Paris to decide who showed the most “Barca DNA” in Barcelona’s 3-2 victory over Paris St Germain.

And finally, we return to the Spanish capital to assess whether Atheltico Madrid’s 2-1 advantage over Borussia Dortmund is enough when Diego Simeone’s side face the fierce atmosphere of the Signal Iduna Park.


HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Champions League quarter finals first leg review

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at where the Premier League title contenders may drop precious points.

Firstly, we run the rule over the final clash between the pretenders to the crown this season. 

Was Man City vs Arsenal just really boring or were there some “tactically intriguing” aspects?

The title race remains as tight as it was when we last cast our eye over it in detail five episodes ago. 

But what’s changed since then that should alter the way we analyse who will win the league?

And finally, which teams across the league will have the biggest role to play in tripping up Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool?




HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Where will the Premier League contenders slip up?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Jay Harris, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at specialist coaches.

From set pieces to subs to sleep and scran, elite football teams are constantly on the lookout for ways to make improvements.

One thing you will learn is why they’re NOT making marginal gains…

So which specialist coaching jobs have gone from niche to mainstream? 

How do you measure success when a coaching role is completely brand new?

And what role may be the next to evolve from non-existent to completely essential?

Produced by Steve Hankey.
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The rise of specialist coaches

In this episode, The Athletic’s Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Jon Mackenzie join Ali Maxwell to do a deep dive into Internazionale.

Simone Inzaghi’s side are dominating Serie A in every sense of the word. 

They have a bigger lead at this stage of the season than runaway leaders Napoli had last time out and at time of recording they have the best defensive record of any team in Europe’s top five leagues.

So what makes them so good?

What do they do that very few, if any, other teams do at the elite level of the game?

And will their manager Simone Inzaghi ever test his managerial mettle away from Italian shores?

Produced by Steve Hankey.
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How Inter are dominating Serie A

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League last 16.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund make up the 2024 Champions League quarter finals.

So what shape are the last eight in Europe’s elite competition in? 

Which individual players shone in the last 16?

And how has the first knockout round changed who we think the favourites are to win the whole thing?

Produced by Steve Hankey.
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How Guardiola made Man City champions again

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