Best Zonal Marking Podcasts (2025)

1
Foreign International Managers 53:01

4d ago53:01

53:01

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:…

1
Who are the Champions League favourites now? 51:12

2h ago51:12

51:12

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 a…

151
Are set pieces more important than ever? 50:48

6d ago50:48

50:48

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…

1
How every position has evolved 53:28

15d ago53:28

53:28

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/2…

1
How data and AI is shaping football 51:22

26d ago51:22

51:22

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 …

1
Building the ideal modern day centre-back 50:23

28d ago50:23

50:23

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…

1
Which January signing will have the biggest impact? 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

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 m…

1
Premier League analysed: A stat for every club 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

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…

1
Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025 47:19

2M ago47:19

47:19

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…

1
Myth-busting pundit cliches 49:24

2M ago49:24

49:24

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 Th…

1
Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids 42:44

3M ago42:44

42:44

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 Bailey With: Mic…

1
Festive Football Tactical Notebook 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged. From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United. We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Mancheste…

1
2024 tactical trends 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024. We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR! Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Premier League’s overachievers 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others. How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Care…

1
How to manage leads and dangerous scorelines 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

This week we’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing. And… can we come up with what the most dangerous scoreline really is? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won 44:33

4M ago44:33

44:33

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, there’s plenty to dissect, on the present and what we may get down the road. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

1
How do teams cope without their star players? 44:12

4M ago44:12

44:12

In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, we’re asking — how do teams cope without their star players? Host: Michael Bailey With: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de Roché Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc…

1
Back Three Formations 47:56

4M ago47:56

47:56

In this episode, we talk about back three formations. Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. And Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal. So are back threes back? Or is this just …

1
Hansi Flick’s brave Barcelona 40:32

5M ago40:32

40:32

This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side. Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad! So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out! Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey…

1
Have Liverpool evolved under Arne Slot? 44:48

5M ago44:48

44:48

This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot. It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot? Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme …

1
Assessing the promoted teams' survival chances 42:11

5M ago42:11

42:11

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Can managers succeed without a team of stars? 47:40

6M ago47:40

47:40

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme…

1
Mailbag: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10s & tactical revolutions 41:50

6M ago41:50

41:50

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs. Host: Michael Bailey Wit…

1
Has data’s impact on football been overstated? 48:42

6M ago48:42

48:42

This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that everyone thinks it has. So, has data actually changed football? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-h…

1
Salah the elite creator: how players evolve over time 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring. How do elite players alter their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
How to build a Premier League squad 47:40

7M ago47:40

47:40

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad. Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
What the Premier League's opening weekend didn't tell us 48:55

7M ago48:55

48:55

One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems. We look at how the top teams fared and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. V…

1
Tactical Premier League preview - part two 46:17

7M ago46:17

46:17

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the English top flight. Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back. This week we have… …

1
Tactical Premier League preview - part one 49:40

8M ago49:40

49:40

On this first episode of the new season, we are previewing the upcoming 2024/2025 Premier League campaign - with a particular focus on the tactical conundrums facing each team. We’ll split this into two parts - covering 10 teams this week and the rest on our next show. This week, we look at the title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. H…

1
Why were there so many goals this season? 45:49

10M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to talk about why this Premier League season has had an unbelievable number of goals. The number of goals being scored in the top division of English men’s football is at its highest rate since the 1960s. But what has caused this? Are goalkeepers not as good as…

1
Alternative Team of the Season 2023/24 43:56

10M ago43:56

43:56

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox and Mark Carey join Ali Maxwell to put together an alternative team of the season from the 23/24 Premier League. Mark and Michael are allowed to choose one player from each of the teams in the bottom half of the Premier League to make up their side. The mathematically minded amongst you will clock that on…

1
Champions League semi final review and final preview 53:01

10M ago53:01

53:01

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the final stages of this season’s Champions League in men’s football. Real Madrid came from behind in the dying minutes to knock out Bayern Munich and further cement their pedigree in this competition. Borussia Dortmund ensured their surprising run t…

1
How well set up are Liverpool for life after Klopp? 42:21

11M ago42:21

42:21

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how Liverpool can ensure a smooth succession from Arne Slot to Jurgen Klopp. We look at how well suited his style of play and personality are for taking on one of the biggest jobs in club football. And how well set up Liverpool are as a club to move …

1
What's the most competitive league in Europe? 51:58

11M ago51:58

51:58

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss which leagues are the most competitive in Europe. We cast our eyes across Europe’s top five leagues, and then beyond them into the top twenty leagues across the continent, including some second tiers… What matters most when measuring what makes a com…

1
Champions League review & how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga 46:31

11M ago46:31

46:31

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League quarter finals; which concluded this week. First up, Bayern Munich let their experience show by knocking out Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate at the Allianz Arena. We then head to Manchester as reigning European champions Manchester C…

1
Champions League quarter finals first leg review 55:21

11M ago55:21

55:21

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the halfway point of the Champions League quarter finals; and what to look out for when those ties conclude next week. First up, it’s Arsenal and Bayern Munich sharing the first leg spoils by drawing 2-2 in North London. We then head to Madrid and…

1
Where will the Premier League contenders slip up? 50:25

12M ago50:25

50:25

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at where the Premier League title contenders may drop precious points. Firstly, we run the rule over the final clash between the pretenders to the crown this season. Was Man City vs Arsenal just really boring or were there some “tactically intrig…

1
The rise of specialist coaches 47:46

12M ago47:46

47:46

In this episode, The Athletic’s Jay Harris, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to take a look at specialist coaches. From set pieces to subs to sleep and scran, elite football teams are constantly on the lookout for ways to make improvements. One thing you will learn is why they’re NOT making marginal gains… So which specialist coaching jo…

1
How Inter are dominating Serie A 50:40

12M ago50:40

50:40

In this episode, The Athletic’s Mark Carey, Liam Tharme and Jon Mackenzie join Ali Maxwell to do a deep dive into Internazionale. Simone Inzaghi’s side are dominating Serie A in every sense of the word. They have a bigger lead at this stage of the season than runaway leaders Napoli had last time out and at time of recording they have the best defen…

1
Champions League notebook: Is the tournament about to come alive? 48:23

1y ago48:23

48:23

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on the Champions League last 16. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund make up the 2024 Champions League quarter finals. So what shape are the last eight in Europe’s elite competit…

1
Klopp vs Guardiola: an era-defining rivalry 47:32

1y ago47:32

47:32

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Duncan Alexander and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to reflect on one of the Premier League’s great managerial rivalries. Pep Guardiola's final tactical tussle with Jurgen Klopp, in the Premier League at least, is this weekend. We look at their individual influences on the English game since they arrived a…

1
Breaking Down The Three Horse Title Race 38:51

1y ago38:51

38:51

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell break down what is potentially the most exciting title race for years. At time of recording, two points separate three teams at the top of the Premier League. We’ve scoured over the three title contenders to see if we can scientifically suss out who’ll be crown…

1
Do teams want superstars anymore? 42:59

1y ago42:59

42:59

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to ask whether modern football teams actually want superstars anymore? Kylian Mbappé is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer but, whisper it quietly; will they be a better team without him? How have Tottenham Hotspur adapted to the loss of their star man H…

1
The Champions League knockouts: A deep dive 46:40

1y ago46:40

46:40

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to give an overview of the runners and riders as the Champions League enters the last 16. Will anyone be able to stop Manchester City from retaining their crown? Should Bayern Munich be amongst the favourites considering their recent blunders in the Bundesliga?…

1
How To Beat Elite Teams 47:15

1y ago47:15

47:15

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss how to take on the elite teams. Should teams adapt their style against the big boys to try and get a result, or try to play the way they want to regardless of opposition? Who has been most effective against the elite teams in the Premier League this …

1
The evolution of Klopp's Liverpool tactics 50:43

1y ago50:43

50:43

In this episode, The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to discuss the tactical differences between the two eras of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool tenure. We’re broadly speaking splitting Klopp’s teams into the 2019 - 21 side as “Liverpool 1.0” and looking at this current iteration as “Liverpool 2.0” What were peak Klopp …

1
Premier League Stat Attack 49:37

1y ago49:37

49:37

In this episode, the Tactics Pod team launch a load of stats into your ears, so strap in. The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to sift through forty five minutes of figures, including… Who is the fouliest footballer in the Premier League so far this season? Which side loves turning the opposition around at the co…

1
Has modern football left Mourinho behind? 41:17

1y ago41:17

41:17

The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell, to reflect on Jose Mourinho's fall from grace - 20 years on from winning the Champions League with Porto. Has modern club football left Mourinho behind. Do a younger generation of footballers tire of his methods too quickly and has he ever been a 'defensive' coach? Plus, …

1
Does Arsenal's 'dream striker' really exist? 49:53

1y ago49:53

49:53

Since Arsenal were dumped out of the FA Cup, the prevailing 'narrative' has been their desperate need to sign a more clinical goalscorer in the January transfer window... But does a number 9 who could fulfil all the requirements of an Arsenal striker even exist? Host Ali Maxwell is joined by The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey & Liam Tharme - fo…

1
The tactical trends of 2023 48:45

1y ago48:45

48:45

In this episode, we discuss the tactical trends of 2023. The Athletic’s Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join Ali Maxwell to explore… First up, full backs and defenders moving into midfield. Inversions, actions and equal & opposite reactions are all covered here. Did the back three become an endangered species in 2023 and will wingbacks go t…

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