

Tifo Football Podcast
The Athletic
In-depth tactical, historical & geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. From the team behind the Tifo Football YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 2, 2026 • 58min
Ring for Analysis: The greatest Brian Clough story
A dramatic reading of a little-known Brian Clough tale about two boys who went begging for pennies and ended up in footballing company. The hosts break down the story structure and Clough's theatrical persona. They explain Guy Fawkes traditions and set up the human, heartwarming moments to come. Teases promise more on Clough's protective, paternal side.

Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 22min
De Zerbi & Ranking 2025’s Biggest Transfers
On Today's episode, Joe welcomes back Amitai Winehouse, Kaya Kaynak and Jon Mackenzie to chat all things Roberto De Zerbi, Italys international woes, and to take a look back at the season so far to decide who really won the 2025 summer transfer window?Try The Athletic for FREE for 30 days: https://theathletic.com/tifofootball📗 Tifo's new book, "How to Watch Football" is now available internationally: https://linktr.ee/tifobookJoin the Tifo Discord Server - https://discord.gg/6nMGtSyyNMThumbnail credit: CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / Contributor / AFP via GettyImages Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 2026 • 1h 6min
Spurs, De Zerbi, Record Transfers & England's Squad
Book to see Tifo live in London: https://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/show/tifo-live/On today's episode, Joe is joined by Colin Millar, JJ Bull & Reuben Pinder to discuss the news that Igor Tudor and Spurs are parting ways, who should be the next Spurs manager? The gang evaluate Tottenham's top 10 record transfers, and take a look at the England squad ahead of the summer. Plus, we hear from Colin about Kosovo's World Cup qualifying story, and Kaya's review of Lord of the Rings!Join the discord: https://discord.gg/RDFvU8gZeC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

34 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 60min
Ring for Analysis: Liverpool's Multi-Club Confusion
Two years ago, when Michael Edwards re-joined Liverpool to become CEO of Football for FSG, he did so with the recommendation that the American ownership group seek to expand their football portfolio and explore a multi-club model. But today, it seems unlikely that FSG will follow through on this expectation. On today's episode, Joe & Jon perform Ring for Analysis, while reading through James Pearce's story on this topic, discussing what this means for Liverpool, FSG and Michael Edwards' future. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7125072/2026/03/20/liverpool-fsg-michael-edwards-future/Join the discord! https://discord.gg/CGVn8crYYa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 16min
Where does Salah rank? Everton’s European hopes & MLS calendar shift
Mohamed Salah’s impending Liverpool exit and where he sits among Premier League greats spark lively debate. Everton’s surprising push for European qualification and David Moyes’ tactical revival get dissected. Italy’s World Cup qualifying woes and squad issues create tension. The MLS calendar shift and its early impressions round out the footballing conversation.

Mar 23, 2026 • 1h 8min
Guardiola masterclass? Arsenal wobble and Spurs relegation looms
Tactical analysis of how Manchester City stifled Arsenal with a shifted defensive shape and midfield control. A shock Forest win leaves Tottenham’s season in jeopardy and sparks debate about their leadership and defensive problems. Discussion of relegation probabilities and a quick quiz and film review for lighter diversion.

Mar 20, 2026 • 60min
Ring for Analysis: How have Ratcliffe's Man Utd comments aged?
They re-read Ratcliffe’s interviews and check which of his claims about the squad have held up. Transfers, clearouts and which new signings have actually improved the team get scrutinised. They debate Casemiro’s influence, back-three tactics and the development of young defenders like Lenny Yoro. The practicality of a 100,000-capacity stadium and the club’s financial manoeuvres are also discussed.

Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 1min
Can Arsenal win the quadruple? & How should they evolve in the summer?
Discussion of Arsenal’s run in the Champions League and whether a quadruple is possible. Debate over squad rotation, depth and which positions need summer reinforcements. Analysis of why English teams struggled in Europe and how Premier League tactics might shift next season. A light film chat rounds out the conversation.

Mar 16, 2026 • 1h 10min
Arsenal move closer, is Bruno Fernandes POTS? And Chelsea's weird huddle
Late Arsenal drama and a youth debut that shook up selection talk. A deep look at City’s tactical tweaks and how they affect the title race. Debate over Bruno Fernandes’ remarkable season and Player of the Season chatter. Chelsea’s strange centre-circle huddle and puzzling man-marking lapses get unpacked.

25 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 51min
Ring for Analysis: FIFA cut World Cup budget by $100m
They unpack FIFA cutting over $100 million from the World Cup operating budget. They question what 'efficiencies' really mean and how cuts could impact safety, accessibility and fan experiences. They contrast FIFA’s huge revenues with reduced local spending and debate who ends up footing the bill.


