The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
@tacticspod.bsky.social
The Athletic's tactics writers break down the details behind the biggest footballing stories each week.
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & more!
Email: tacticspod@theathletic.com
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & more!
Email: tacticspod@theathletic.com
NEW POD 🚨
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why are defensive midfielders scoring so many goals?
This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox and Mark Care...
pod.fo
November 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
NEW POD 🚨
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
Great piece from @zonal-marking.bsky.social
The use of five substitutes has had no positive impact, and probably some bad impact www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Why the five-substitute era has not been good for football
Lawmakers have completely overlooked the impact of introducing extra substitutes: it increases the tempo of the game and increases fatigue
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Great piece from @zonal-marking.bsky.social
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
The use of five substitutes has had no positive impact, and probably some bad impact www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Why the five-substitute era has not been good for football
Lawmakers have completely overlooked the impact of introducing extra substitutes: it increases the tempo of the game and increases fatigue
www.nytimes.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The use of five substitutes has had no positive impact, and probably some bad impact www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
NEW POD 🚨
Four Premier League losses in a row — seven points shy of league leaders Arsenal after nine matches.
How do Liverpool fix their tactical issues?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/34776f
Four Premier League losses in a row — seven points shy of league leaders Arsenal after nine matches.
How do Liverpool fix their tactical issues?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/34776f
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: How to fix Liverpool
The defending Premier League champions have lost four league matches in a row.So, where is it going wrong for Arne Slot’s Liverpool — and crucially, how do they fix their issues?Host: Michael B...
pod.fo
October 30, 2025 at 4:35 PM
NEW POD 🚨
Four Premier League losses in a row — seven points shy of league leaders Arsenal after nine matches.
How do Liverpool fix their tactical issues?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/34776f
Four Premier League losses in a row — seven points shy of league leaders Arsenal after nine matches.
How do Liverpool fix their tactical issues?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social, @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/34776f
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Is it going to get better, or does something drastic need to change?
October 29, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Is it going to get better, or does something drastic need to change?
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Slot is trying to adapt to a post-Salah world with Salah still in the team which in the short term is causing problems.
The many new faces also bring difficulties but some of them couldn't be avoided (Diaz/TAA wanting to leave, Jota). One mistake though was not buying Robertson replacement in 2024.
The many new faces also bring difficulties but some of them couldn't be avoided (Diaz/TAA wanting to leave, Jota). One mistake though was not buying Robertson replacement in 2024.
October 29, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Slot is trying to adapt to a post-Salah world with Salah still in the team which in the short term is causing problems.
The many new faces also bring difficulties but some of them couldn't be avoided (Diaz/TAA wanting to leave, Jota). One mistake though was not buying Robertson replacement in 2024.
The many new faces also bring difficulties but some of them couldn't be avoided (Diaz/TAA wanting to leave, Jota). One mistake though was not buying Robertson replacement in 2024.
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Pretty basic question.What's gone wrong?
They can't break deep defences, get countered a lot and their shape looks bad when defending them, they concede from long throws and set pieces almost every match.
Slots' use of his squad is confusing. I thought the summer signings were part of a big plan?
They can't break deep defences, get countered a lot and their shape looks bad when defending them, they concede from long throws and set pieces almost every match.
Slots' use of his squad is confusing. I thought the summer signings were part of a big plan?
October 29, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Pretty basic question.What's gone wrong?
They can't break deep defences, get countered a lot and their shape looks bad when defending them, they concede from long throws and set pieces almost every match.
Slots' use of his squad is confusing. I thought the summer signings were part of a big plan?
They can't break deep defences, get countered a lot and their shape looks bad when defending them, they concede from long throws and set pieces almost every match.
Slots' use of his squad is confusing. I thought the summer signings were part of a big plan?
On tomorrow's pod, we're talking Liverpool.
Send in your questions/thoughts for @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social
Send in your questions/thoughts for @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social
October 29, 2025 at 12:06 PM
On tomorrow's pod, we're talking Liverpool.
Send in your questions/thoughts for @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social
Send in your questions/thoughts for @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: A guide to the 4-4-2 formation
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 ...
pod.fo
October 23, 2025 at 9:55 AM
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
ICYMI
A special interview with İlkay Gündoğan.
The iconic former Manchester City midfielder at down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and more!
Don't miss it!
pod.fo/e/33fd01
A special interview with İlkay Gündoğan.
The iconic former Manchester City midfielder at down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and more!
Don't miss it!
pod.fo/e/33fd01
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more
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 f...
pod.fo
October 21, 2025 at 10:20 AM
ICYMI
A special interview with İlkay Gündoğan.
The iconic former Manchester City midfielder at down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and more!
Don't miss it!
pod.fo/e/33fd01
A special interview with İlkay Gündoğan.
The iconic former Manchester City midfielder at down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and more!
Don't miss it!
pod.fo/e/33fd01
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?
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 squ...
pod.fo
October 16, 2025 at 5:49 PM
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
@markcarey93.bsky.social @oilysailor.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social Loved the pod - in case you’ve never seen this enormous launch from Ederson to Raul Jimenez when they were playing together for Benfica, here it is: youtu.be/Iud-CdPbAhs?...
Benfica 5-0 Vitória de Guimarães (2-0) Raúl Jiménez 16' (Liga NOS)
YouTube video by Virais da Internet
youtu.be
October 10, 2025 at 10:58 AM
@markcarey93.bsky.social @oilysailor.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social Loved the pod - in case you’ve never seen this enormous launch from Ederson to Raul Jimenez when they were playing together for Benfica, here it is: youtu.be/Iud-CdPbAhs?...
NEW POD!
Why are goalkeepers going long this season?
What's happened to the long throw?
Duncan (@oilysailor.bsky.social) is joined by Michael (@zonal-marking.bsky.social) and Mark (@markcarey93.bsky.social) to discuss!
pod.fo/e/33a5db
Why are goalkeepers going long this season?
What's happened to the long throw?
Duncan (@oilysailor.bsky.social) is joined by Michael (@zonal-marking.bsky.social) and Mark (@markcarey93.bsky.social) to discuss!
pod.fo/e/33a5db
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why goalkeepers are going long
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 Care...
pod.fo
October 9, 2025 at 3:38 PM
NEW POD!
Why are goalkeepers going long this season?
What's happened to the long throw?
Duncan (@oilysailor.bsky.social) is joined by Michael (@zonal-marking.bsky.social) and Mark (@markcarey93.bsky.social) to discuss!
pod.fo/e/33a5db
Why are goalkeepers going long this season?
What's happened to the long throw?
Duncan (@oilysailor.bsky.social) is joined by Michael (@zonal-marking.bsky.social) and Mark (@markcarey93.bsky.social) to discuss!
pod.fo/e/33a5db
NEW POD!
Why are the promoted sides better this season?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social have the answers!
pod.fo/e/335c3e
Why are the promoted sides better this season?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social have the answers!
pod.fo/e/335c3e
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why the promoted sides are so much better this season
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 BaileyWith...
pod.fo
October 2, 2025 at 4:28 PM
NEW POD!
Why are the promoted sides better this season?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social have the answers!
pod.fo/e/335c3e
Why are the promoted sides better this season?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social have the answers!
pod.fo/e/335c3e
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
I look forward to this episode but also Pep has never been a Pepist
September 28, 2025 at 10:30 PM
I look forward to this episode but also Pep has never been a Pepist
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?
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 i...
pod.fo
September 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
September 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
an article on GuardiolAI and ChatGPTeta's latest attempt to remove any hint of human creativity from their meetings
www.nytimes.com/athletic/665...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/665...
Mikel Arteta versus Pep Guardiola has become a boring battle of overwhelming caution
The Arsenal manager and his Manchester City counterpart appear to be finding new ways to create dull games. Where is the ambition?
www.nytimes.com
September 22, 2025 at 11:59 AM
an article on GuardiolAI and ChatGPTeta's latest attempt to remove any hint of human creativity from their meetings
www.nytimes.com/athletic/665...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/665...
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why has this season started so slowly?
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...
pod.fo
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Pod tomorrow on this very subject.
Any questions for the panel?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social
Any questions for the panel?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social
Lots of new signings - not many goals. It's quite tough to get cohesion between new attackers at this stage of the season, and watching some really quite bad Premier League games so far underlines that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Lots of signings, not many goals: Why most Premier League sides are yet to click
The quality of attacking football this season has been way down on previous campaigns, but new players need to time to settle
www.nytimes.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Pod tomorrow on this very subject.
Any questions for the panel?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social
Any questions for the panel?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Lots of new signings - not many goals. It's quite tough to get cohesion between new attackers at this stage of the season, and watching some really quite bad Premier League games so far underlines that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Lots of signings, not many goals: Why most Premier League sides are yet to click
The quality of attacking football this season has been way down on previous campaigns, but new players need to time to settle
www.nytimes.com
September 16, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Lots of new signings - not many goals. It's quite tough to get cohesion between new attackers at this stage of the season, and watching some really quite bad Premier League games so far underlines that.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/663...
Arsenal are the "gold standard" for pressing, according to @markcarey93.bsky.social
Listen to our full pod on pressing 101.
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Listen to our full pod on pressing 101.
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
September 16, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Arsenal are the "gold standard" for pressing, according to @markcarey93.bsky.social
Listen to our full pod on pressing 101.
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Listen to our full pod on pressing 101.
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Reposted by The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
NEW MONDAY POD DROP 🚨
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Why Arsenal and PSG are so good at pressing
YouTube video by The Athletic FC Podcast
www.youtube.com
September 15, 2025 at 9:20 AM
NEW MONDAY POD DROP 🚨
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Here's @liamtharme.bsky.social on PSG's pressing tweak from last season.
Their Champions League campaign gets underway tomorrow night!
Full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
pod.fo/e/32ac79
Their Champions League campaign gets underway tomorrow night!
Full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
pod.fo/e/32ac79
September 15, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Here's @liamtharme.bsky.social on PSG's pressing tweak from last season.
Their Champions League campaign gets underway tomorrow night!
Full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
pod.fo/e/32ac79
Their Champions League campaign gets underway tomorrow night!
Full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
pod.fo/e/32ac79
NEW MONDAY POD DROP 🚨
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
Why Arsenal and PSG are so good at pressing
YouTube video by The Athletic FC Podcast
www.youtube.com
September 15, 2025 at 9:20 AM
NEW MONDAY POD DROP 🚨
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79
We rotate the squad, with @oilysailor.bsky.social joined by @markcarey93.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social to talk pressing.
The best structures, who does it best, who does it worst?
Video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UJt...
Audio: pod.fo/e/32ac79