The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast Varying fortunes of recent managerial hires
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Mar 12, 2026 Michael Cox, renowned tactics writer; Cerys Jones, player-development analyst; and Mark Carey, data-focused tactical commentator. They compare midseason managerial hires at Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham. Conversations cover leadership and coaching styles, tactical tweaks to midfield and goalkeeper choices, formation fits and man-management successes and failures.
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Resenia Brought Calm Stability To Chelsea
- Liam Resenia has delivered stability at Chelsea after Enzo Maresca's controversial exit rather than overhauling the team mid-season.
- Resenia made small tactical tweaks and brought calm, media-savvy leadership that helped a young squad perform across competitions.
Left Triangle Unlocked Chelsea's Central Creativity
- Chelsea under Resenia play more productively through the middle using a fluid left-side triangle of Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández and João Pedro.
- That rotation and movement between the lines has unlocked Palmer and improved chance creation versus Maresca's wider focus.
Playing Out From Back Is A Double-Edged Sword
- Resenia has reintroduced more progressive build-up with a goalkeeper comfortable on the ball but that approach increased exposure to high presses in the Premier League.
- Mike Penders' possible return may enable more playing-out-from-back, but errors (e.g., Jorgensen vs PSG) highlight the risk.