This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League. 

In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been steadily dropping.

We find out why.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans.

With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay Gündoğan

Executive Producer: Abi Paterson

Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.

Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squad by Tuchel, despite their “star status”.

When building a team, what is the priority; star players, or players who fit the system?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. 

Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game?

Host: Duncan Alexander 

With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. 

How are they doing it and more importantly, can they sustain it?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing in front of our eyes?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend.

Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and uncertainty?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6633559/2025/09/16/premier-league-signings-goals/ 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - we focus on pressing. What does it involve in the modern game, which teams do it best - and worst - and how has it changed from when it was just called ‘closing down’.

Host Duncan Alexander is joined by Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to discuss.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time!

We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts — iPads, subs, mavericks and more!

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we’ll tell you why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system he insists on using at Manchester United, isn’t functioning.

And we’ll look at other examples of managers who seem wedded to just one system - can that approach really work?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.