In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football.

German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week. 

So we’re going to reflect on some of the great, and not so great, examples of foreign international managers and ask whether the impact they had in the past still applies today?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander.

Producer: Steve Hankey.

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We’re focusing our attention on the Champions League.

This season’s competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what’s happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us.

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces.

Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years.

For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

Building the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed 

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We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis

Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week we’re diving into the world of centre-backs! 

What traits do they need in today’s game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed?

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond.

We go for some obvious ones — but we’ll also talk about moves you may have missed! 

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael Cox

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. 

From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. 

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.

What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? 

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.

Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. 

Host: Michael Bailey

With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme

Producer: Mike Stavrou

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