The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

In this episode, we talk about back three formations.

Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. 

And Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal.

So are back threes back? Or is this just a brief moment back in the sun?

And can Manchester United’s current squad adapt to Amorim’s favoured formation?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.

Producer: Steve Hankey.

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This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side.

Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad!

So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out!

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot.

It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Thom Harris

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. 

Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. 

The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! 

So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5793283/2024/09/26/premier-league-takeaways-five-games/

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This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that everyone thinks it has.

So, has data actually changed football?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-has-data-changed-football/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5697684/2024/09/03/football-analytics-uk-evolution/

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This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring.

How do elite players alter their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad.

Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers.

Host: Matt Davies-Adams

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems.

We look at how the top teams fared and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers.

Host: Michael Bailey 

With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme 

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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