The Athletic FC Podcast

Liam Tharme, tactical analyst who explains pressing patterns and coaching takeaways. Mark Carey, data-driven analyst who defines low blocks and compactness. Michael Cox, tactics writer who adds historical context on clearances and ball trends. They discuss how teams press, the reality of low blocks, practical ways to break them down, set-piece and crossing solutions, and why headed clearances and long-range goals are rising.

Oli Kay, football reporter and commentator known for tactical and personnel insight, and Tim Spiers, journalist and analyst with deep reporting on England and managerial moves, dissect why England extended Thomas Tuchel’s contract now. They debate timing before the World Cup, risks of pre-tournament deals, Tuchel’s international vs club future, squad selection questions and how this alters the wider managerial market.

Sean Dyche has become the third manager to be sacked by Nottingham Forest this season, following Wednesday night's goalless draw at home to Wolves.Former Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira is in pole position to succeed Dyche and would follow on from Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou as the other men to have taken charge of Forest this season.Sitting just three points above the relegation zone, can a fourth manager of the season save Forest from the drop?Host: Adam LeventhalWith: Paul Taylor, Nick Miller and Tim SpiersExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke, Jay Beale and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seb Stafford-Bloor, football writer who critiques club culture, and Dan Kilpatrick, tactical journalist with deep Premier League insight, dissect Thomas Frank’s sacking. They discuss why the decision came now. They debate tactical mismatch, home form collapse, club leadership and who might take charge next. The conversation also weighs relegation risk and long-term structural failings at the club.

Oli Kay, a football writer who explains Saudi ownership and policy, and James Horncastle, a European football analyst and transfer expert. They debate Ronaldo’s rift with Al-Nassr, PIF’s multi-club influence, transfer decisions and wage constraints. They also discuss Ronaldo’s changing public role, Saudi match-going and potential next moves.

Simon Hughes, seasoned Liverpool-focused writer and commentator, and Sam Lee, tactical analyst with a Manchester City lens, dissect City’s dramatic Anfield comeback. They debate VAR controversies, City’s defensive inconsistencies, Liverpool’s late-goal woes, Donnarumma vs Ederson, Foden’s form, Guardiola’s influence and whether momentum has reignited the title chase.

Conor O'Neill, a data-focused reporter who mapped weather to 12,000+ matches. Mark Carey, a football journalist with stadium anecdotes. Michael Cox, a tactics analyst with historical context. They discuss cold, windy nights in Stoke and how wind reshapes tactics and set plays. Stadium design and familiarity creating home edges. Altitude, pitch surfaces and how rain or heat alter match conditions.

Jay Harris, seasoned football reporter and commentator, and Mark Carey, tactical and data-driven analyst, preview Liverpool vs Man City. They discuss Liverpool’s approaches to low blocks and counter transitions. City’s second-half issues and squad integration are explored. They also touch on title pressure, emerging forwards, defensive tweaks and key weekend fixtures.

Dom Fifield, football journalist who analyses recruitment and managerial shifts. Matt Woosnam, Crystal Palace reporter with transfer and squad insight. They discuss Palace's chaotic January signings and whether the profiles fit. They weigh the impact of the captain's sale and leadership gap. They debate relegation risk and how returning players and key fixtures could reset the club.

James McNicholas, football journalist known for match reporting and tactical analysis, joins to dissect Arsenal’s Carabao Cup run and Arteta’s priorities. They unpack Chelsea’s late drama, inventive set-piece tweaks, and debates over selection like Eberechi Eze. Conversations focus on whether cup success can build a winning habit and how Arteta balances results over aesthetic football.