About this episode

The episode discusses tactical learnings from the 2025/26 season, the reliance on set pieces, and insights into recruitment and the Champions League final.

What can we learn from the tactics employed in 2025/26? Are we too reliant on set pieces (even employing MMA fighters to help!) and how will that shape recruitment this summer? Plus what makes the ‘perfect ball’ and we look ahead to the Champions League final. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox & Liam Tharme Producer: Si Watts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Michael Bailey

Guests: Michael Cox, Liam Tharme

Topics covered

• tactics
• set pieces
• recruitment
• Champions League
• football analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Athletic

More episodes of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast

• The World Cup's most tactically interesting teams · June 4, 2026 · 36 min
• How Pep Guardiola transformed the Premier League · May 21, 2026 · 36 min
• Alternative Team of the Season · May 14, 2026 · 41 min

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