A collection of Europe’s major leagues have had surprise league leaders topping the tables this season.
The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris join Ali Maxwell to explore…
Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen. What do they do in and out of possession, how have their new signings settled in and can they sustain it to beat Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga?
We also talk about an even bigger surprise in La Liga. At time of recording Girona top La Liga by two points ahead of Real Madrid with former Rayo Vallecano coach Michel performing a minor miracle for the Catalan minnows.
There’s also a nice nod to… Nice. They aren’t top but have hovered around second place in Ligue 1 this season with a collection of players who really hit the “oh yeah that guy, he’s still around” spot.  

Produced by Steve Hankey
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Leverkusen, Girona and surprise league leaders

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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In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how Liverpool can ensure a smooth succession from Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp.

We look at how well suited his style of play and personality are for taking on one of the biggest jobs in club football.

And how well set up Liverpool are as a club to move on from such a legendary manager?

Then, we look to the past to see if we can learn much about the future. 

Can Liverpool learn anything from how Manchester United moved on from Alex Ferguson and how Arsenal handled life after Arsène Wenger?



Host: Ali Maxwell
With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
Producer: Steve Hankey
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How well set up are Liverpool for life after Klopp?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe.

We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers…

What matters most when measuring what makes a competitive league? 

Is it the finance or the depth of talent in each league year on year? Or is it how well spread both of those things are across a division? 

And should looking at how competitive a league is compared to other places influence where clubs scout for players?



HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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What's the most competitive league in Europe?

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which concluded this week.

First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena.

We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester City failed to retain their crown as they were knocked out on penalties by the perennial Kings of Europe Real Madrid. 

We also assess Paris St Germain progressing against a poorly disciplined Barcelona as well as discussing Borussia Dortmund doubling the German contingent in the semifinals with their win over Atletico Madrid.

And it’s in Germany we remain for the rest of the episode to reflect on the incredible achievement of the Bundesliga’s new champions, Bayer Leverkusen.


HOST: Ali Maxwell
WITH: Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme
PRODUCER: Steve Hankey
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Champions League review & how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga

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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Leverkusen, Girona and surprise league leaders

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