Hosted by Michael Bailey, revered football tactics writer Michael Cox is joined by more of The Athletic's brightest tactics and data analytics writers to break ...
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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47:56
Hansi Flick’s brave Barcelona
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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40:32
Have Liverpool evolved under Arne Slot?
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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44:48
Assessing the promoted teams' survival chances
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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42:11
Can managers succeed without a team of stars?
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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Hosted by Michael Bailey, 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.