Best Zonal Marking Podcasts (2025)

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Gundogan interview: Klopp vs Guardiola, Man City's treble & more 34:27

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1d ago34:27

34:27

Iconic former Manchester City midfielder İlkay Gündoğan sat down with The Athletic's Jordan Campbell to discuss playing under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, City's treble-winning team and his future plans. With: Jordan Campbell & İlkay Gündoğan Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Mike Stavrou and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

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Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side? 37:54

4d ago37:54

37:54

Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value. Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squad by Tuchel, despite their “star status”. When building a team, what is the priority; star players, or players who fit the system? Host: Michael Bailey W…

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Why goalkeepers are going long 33:18

11d ago33:18

33:18

Today we’re discussing the evolution of goalkeeper distribution. Are teams actually going long more often, and how is it changing the game? Host: Duncan Alexander With: Michael Cox and Mark Carey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Why the promoted sides are so much better this season 35:46

18d ago35:46

35:46

Today we tackle the Premier League’s promoted clubs – who collectively, so far this season, are flying. How are they doing it and more importantly, can they sustain it? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy? 36:35

25d ago36:35

36:35

Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing in front of our eyes? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

1
Why has this season started so slowly? 34:18

1M ago34:18

34:18

There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend. Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and uncertainty? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6633559/2025/09/1…

1
Pressing 101: Why Arsenal and PSG are so good 30:31

1M ago30:31

30:31

In this special edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - we focus on pressing. What does it involve in the modern game, which teams do it best - and worst - and how has it changed from when it was just called ‘closing down’. Host Duncan Alexander is joined by Mark Carey and Liam Tharme to discuss. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Ca…

1
Mavericks, Donnarumma & are Arsenal too cautious? 44:41

1M ago44:41

44:41

It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time! We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts — iPads, subs, mavericks and more! Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou & Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

This week, we’ll tell you why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system he insists on using at Manchester United, isn’t functioning. And we’ll look at other examples of managers who seem wedded to just one system - can that approach really work? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast…

1
Dowman and Ngumoha: The pathway for academy players 36:18

2M ago36:18

36:18

This week, we’re charting the journey from academy to first team football. What are the main tactical challenges in making the jump, and how has the transition changed over time? Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Long throws & tall No.9s: The Premier League goes old school 38:31

2M ago38:31

38:31

One week of the Premier League season down, 37 to go. And today we’re asking whether the English top flight has gone old school… with more long throw-ins than ever, “proper” No.9s and promoted sides threatening to be competitive… Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com…

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New-look Liverpool & pragmatic Spurs: Premier League preview 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

Welcome back to The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. We’re kickstarting the new season with our big Premier League preview show. We’ll analyse the key tactical talking points, managerial changes and the new entrants to the English top flight. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See …

1
Creating the England DNA 57:17

3M ago57:17

57:17

On episode five of Football Architects we look at how England changed their fortunes from tournament failures to final makers - and in the women's case, winners. Hear from the man who brought about the culture change and brought back pride to the Three Lions. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link here Host:…

1
The secrets behind football's data pioneers 38:28

3M ago38:28

38:28

On episode four of Football Architects, we hear from the architects of the data world, who have worked for the biggest football clubs in England. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below. Host: Michael Bailey With: Jacob Whitehead and Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou https://pod.fo/e/2fe33b https://pod.…

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Forging Croatia's Golden Generation 43:12

3M ago43:12

43:12

On episode three of Football Architects, we’re focusing on international football's great over-performers, Croatia. We’ll hear from Romeo Jozak, the former academy head and technical director of Dinamo Zagreb and technical director of Croatia from 2013-17. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, which we will link below. https:…

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How Belgium marched to world number one 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

On episode two of Football Architects, we’re focusing on the rise that took a stagnant Belgium to number one in FIFA’s world rankings. We’ll hear about how they established a footballing DNA, and created a team of legendary players such as Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and many more. Every episode will also have a written piece on the website, whic…

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How Cruyff inspired Ajax's rebirth 44:55

4M ago44:55

44:55

Welcome to Football Architects - a summer series for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast. Over the next five weeks, we’ll tell the stories of esteemed footballing nations and clubs, speaking to the unsung heroes who changed history. Today’s episode is focused on Ajax’s rebirth and how the club was rebuilt in the image of legendary figure Johan Cruyff. …

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Are strikerless formations the future? 24:51

5M ago24:51

24:51

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou On behalf of the entire Tactics team, thank you for all of your entries and your su…

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Was the 2024/25 Premier League season boring? 41:00

5M ago41:00

41:00

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 Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Listener survey: https://forms.gle/atPcQnohDvRWQG2M7 Hosted on Aca…

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Champions League final preview 36:36

5M ago36:36

36:36

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 Alexander With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: M…

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Alternative team of the Premier League season 24/25 46:04

5M ago46:04

46:04

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. H…

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Ancelotti, Conte and the tactics of Italian managers 47:19

5M ago47:19

47:19

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 success…

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Arsenal’s long throws & the best knockout tie ever? 35:25

5M ago35:25

35:25

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Yamal's new heights & PSG's press 39:00

6M ago39:00

39:00

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

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Which teams deserve Champions League football next season? 42:03

6M ago42:03

42:03

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Champions League final four 52:18

6M ago52:18

52:18

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.y…

1
Where have all the French managers gone? 40:28

6M ago40:28

40:28

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How PSG became Champions League favourites 32:57

7M ago32:57

32:57

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 …

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How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite 38:59

7M ago38:59

38:59

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 Hosted on Acast. S…

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How to win a football match 40:42

7M ago40:42

40:42

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 you…

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Foreign International Managers 44:46

7M ago44:46

44:46

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? 42:57

7M ago42:57

42:57

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 Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Are set pieces more important than ever? 42:33

8M ago42:33

42:33

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
How every position has evolved 45:13

8M ago45:13

45:13

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…

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How data and AI is shaping football 43:07

8M ago43:07

43:07

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 Hosted on Acast. See a…

1
Building the ideal modern day centre-back 42:08

8M ago42:08

42:08

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Which January signing will have the biggest impact? 37:00

9M ago37:00

37:00

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 Hosted …

1
Premier League analysed: A stat for every club 40:59

9M ago40:59

40:59

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025 39:04

9M ago39:04

39:04

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…

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Myth-busting pundit cliches 41:09

9M ago41:09

41:09

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 34:29

9M ago34:29

34:29

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…

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Festive Football Tactical Notebook 41:30

10M ago41:30

41:30

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 45:35

10M ago45:35

45:35

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The Premier League’s overachievers 35:52

10M ago35:52

35:52

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 37:00

11M ago37:00

37:00

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won 36:18

11M ago36:18

36:18

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

1
How do teams cope without their star players? 35:57

11M ago35:57

35:57

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat…

1
Back Three Formations 39:41

12M ago39:41

39:41

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 32:17

12M ago32:17

32:17

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? 36:33

12M ago36:33

36:33

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 …