The Athletic’s Michael Cox & Ali Maxwell break down the tactical & technical details of football past & present, focusing on a single subject each episode with the help of expert guests. Subscribe to The Athletic using the special promo code zonalmarking and receive 40% off! Also, subscribers will…
The Zonal Marking podcast is a fantastic listen for any fan of the beautiful game. Hosted by renowned football writer Michael Cox, this podcast offers insightful and in-depth tactical analysis that is sure to captivate listeners. Each episode delves into different aspects of the game, providing a unique perspective that both casual fans and seasoned supporters can appreciate.
One of the best aspects of The Zonal Marking podcast is the tactical analysis offered by Michael Cox. His expertise shines through as he breaks down team formations, manager ideas, and analyzes how certain tactics can impact a match. The episodes that explore building title-contending teams versus relegation battling teams are particularly interesting, as they provide valuable insights into the strategies used by successful clubs. Cox's knowledge and ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner make this podcast a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the tactical side of football.
Another highlight of this podcast is Cox's engaging style and ability to stretch the imagination of his listeners. He has a knack for presenting ideas that challenge conventional thinking and inspire new ways to see and appreciate the game. Whether it's discussing team formations or analyzing key matchups between different systems, Cox's analysis always keeps listeners engaged and eager for more.
While there are countless positive aspects to The Zonal Marking podcast, one potential drawback is that it may not be suitable for those who are not tactically inclined or have limited knowledge of the game. While Cox does provide explanations and simplifies concepts, some episodes may still be quite technical for casual fans. However, this should not deter listeners from giving it a try, as even those with minimal tactical knowledge will find value in hearing about different strategies employed by teams.
In conclusion, The Zonal Marking podcast is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in gaining deeper insights into football tactics. With Michael Cox's expert analysis and engaging style, each episode offers valuable takeaways that enhance our understanding and appreciation of the game. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, this podcast deserves a spot in your listening lineup.
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On this final show of the season, we're bringing you the eagerly anticipated listener mailbag.We'll focus on strikerless systems, wing-backs vs full-backs and much, much more. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouOn behalf of the entire Tactics team, thank you for all of your entries and your support this season. Please complete our listener survey: https://forms.gle/atPcQnohDvRWQG2M7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's show, we're reviewing the 2024-25 season - looking at statistical trends across the Premier League. We'll also focus on the teams who impressed us, and those who disappointed us. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouListener survey: https://forms.gle/atPcQnohDvRWQG2M7 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Duncan Alexander, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme preview the Champions League final between Inter and PSG.Two teams with contrasting styles meet in the final in Munich - so we break down how we think this one might play out.Host: Duncan AlexanderWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou and Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, it's alternative team of the season time!To remind you of the rules, instead of focusing on the top teams - we all pick an eleven with one player from each of the bottom 10 teams in the Premier League table (as it stands on Thursday 22nd May) and then one “wildcard” player - basically one other player from the bottom half clubs.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producers: Mike Stavrou and Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we're talking Italian managers.Specifically… Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte.Ancelotti will be joining the Brazilian men's national team this summer, drawing his second spell at Real Madrid to a close.Meanwhile, Antonio Conte could be about to win the Scudetto with a third Italian club… potentially adding Napoli to his successes with Juventus and Internazionale.Broadly speaking, Ancelotti has been more successful in European competitions — with Conte having a better success rate bringing home the domestic bacon.But is there something in their tactical philosophies that has caused this? That's what we talk about in this episode.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's show, we're focused on the second legs of the Champions League semi-finals.We'll analyse a tie for the ages - Inter's 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona. And also PSG's victory against Arsenal.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this week's show, we're focused on the second legs of the Champions League semi-finals. We'll analyse a tie for the ages - Inter's 7-6 aggregate win over Barcelona. And also PSG's victory against Arsenal. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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 BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Thom HarrisProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 BaileyWith: Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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/2c3d48Or watch here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5AzIuR_cU For a bit on Barcelona, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/27b242 Host: Michael BaileyWith: Liam Tharme, Mark Carey, Thom Harris and Michael Cox.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Tom WilliamsProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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
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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouWe 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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
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 BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Duncan Alexander.Producer: Steve Hankey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're focusing our attention on the Champions League. This season's competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what's happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're focusing our attention on the Champions League.This season's competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what's happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us.Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces.Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces. Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years.For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike StavrouBuilding the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years. For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Building the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2ac7ed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysisPlus… what the future could hold in terms of football's relationship with AI?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul PowerProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football's relationship with AI? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we're diving into the world of centre-backs! What traits do they need in today's game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we're diving into the world of centre-backs! What traits do they need in today's game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond.We go for some obvious ones — but we'll also talk about moves you may have missed! Host: Michael BaileyWith: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael CoxProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond. We go for some obvious ones — but we'll also talk about moves you may have missed! Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael Cox Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool's direct attacks to Crystal Palace's runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool's direct attacks to Crystal Palace's runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025.What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025. What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week… we're dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches.Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week… we're dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches. Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week… we've had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season.So today we're talking…The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much more!Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam TharmeProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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