The defensive glossary - half-backs, sweeper keepers, the libero and beyond

On this week’s show, we analyse the first legs of the Champions League semi-finals. We’ll discover how PSG’s press nullified Arsenal, and discuss probably the game of the season so far — Barca’s thriller against Inter. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Maj 47min

This week we’re looking at an incredibly tight race in the Premier League to seal European football for next season. And we’ll discuss which of those teams are best set-up for success. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Apr 50min

In this episode, we look back at the Champions League quarter finals.  We also look ahead to the semi-finals and discuss the merits of Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Internazionale and Barcelona. If you want more on Inter, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2296a4  For our bonus PSG episode, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2c3d48 Or watch here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5AzIuR_cU  For a bit on Barcelona, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/27b242  Host: Michael Bailey With: Liam Tharme, Mark Carey, Thom Harris and Michael Cox. Producer: Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Apr 1h

This week we’re focusing on French footballing identity. And we’ll attempt to discover why there is a lack of French managers across Europe’s top leagues. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Tom Williams Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Apr 48min

In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG. They’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the first side to win the title unbeaten. They’re also in the final of the Coupe de France and face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this week. So how has Enrique made them so dominant? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Apr 41min

This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest. We’ll break down how a team who flirted with relegation last season have become one of the most difficult sides to play against in the division.  Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Apr 47min

This week we’re focusing our attention on the metrics which win you football matches - other than goals and assists. We’ll talk second balls, duels and explain what coaches are actually watching on those tiny screens on the touchline. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou We want to hear about your podcast habits. Go to theathletic.com/athletic/survey25 to fill out a short survey and be in with the chance of winning £/$100 Amazon vouchers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Mars 48min

In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football. German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week.  So we’re going to reflect on some of the great, and not so great, examples of foreign international managers and ask whether the impact they had in the past still applies today? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander. Producer: Steve Hankey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Mars 53min