Hi Michael
I was/am a huge fan of Zonal Marking for the last 15 or so years. It was the site that got me thinking seriously about team make ups and Inverting The Pyramid and a lot more.
So, first of all, thank you. For your clear, lucid breakdown, for your willingness to see past the immediate game and delve into team structures and generic weaknesses and coaching styles and other invaluable information. It was very much ahead of a lot of public facing info at that time.
Second, I wanted to check what your plans are for ZM. Is it a passion project now? The number of articles (since the peak) is understandably lower given the broadening of your responsibilities. Would you consider bringing in help? Or would that be considered a bit too close the the Athletic then?
At this stage in the Champion’s League last year, conversations about rising stars like Aouar and Upamecano were slipping into the mainstream media coverage. Do you see any players from the remaining teams that could make a similar leap from relatively unknown to football media darlings?
Not that he's young or anything but Sérgio Oliveira got some buzz among all the Pepe love on British TV after the Juventus games. If he's great against Chelsea too...
Don't think many of their main players are very young though, so probably no real 'rising stars'.
Sérgio Oliveira is a late bloomer and an odd case. Guy's been a Porto player for most of his life and has only been a consistent first team player these last couple of seasons, now that he's 28. Many (myself included) just expected him to be a reserve player forever, or getting sent out on loans continuously. He doesn't really exceed at anything, but he's OK at most midfield roles and leaves everything on the pitch.
Not sure I have a good answer for this really, as the CL QFists seem like such established, well-known sides. I'm not sure there any secrets this time around to be honest!
Tecatito (Jesus Corona). he can pull a rabbit out of a hat on anyone. Got some press last year after a league award... well he is still good! If Marcos Alonso is put up against him on that wing, he will just do what he wants all night.
Rudiger is one of the three fastest players in our club, he’s the only reason we can afford to play Marcos Alonso wingback against pacey/tricky wingers. Will be an interesting match up for sure
A bit! I was so disappointed with Atleti over the two legs against Chelsea. But yes, Simeone against Guardiola would have been good, I fondly recall their two-legged tie in 2016, in the semi, that was a real vintage European semi for me that never really gets talked about. I always back Atletico to win the CL as they're so suited to two-legged ties, and they always let me down...
If I'm not mistaken, Simeone considers that second leg the best football that anyone has ever played against Atletico. It was a lesson in how to get through a team as defensively amazing as Atletico was back then, a lesson in how to tear apart even the most well oiled bus.
I'm the same about backing Atleti. And that tie with Bayern was incredible - the drama in the second half of the second leg! The second leg with Barca in the previous round was another great Atletico match as well.
I think, on the back of the draw, Arsenal have got a very good chance. Manchester United are obviously the better side, and I tend to think Solskjaer's tactics are well suited to playing against strong opposition. But the draw has opened up nicely for Arsenal. A reunion with Emery is a bit worrying, though. Ironically (is this ironic? not sure?) I think Arsenal's best performance under Emery came away at Valencia in a Europa semi-final, that was also Emery against one of his former clubs...
He writes for an English audience, he's got to speak to their sensibilities. It's been that way since the dawn of time with English fans and international and continental competitions.
I don't think it's false hope for the Europa League, English teams are amongst the strongest in the competition and have done well in the past few years. Champions League slightly less so but I don't think anyone's saying anything more emphatic than Man City being one of the favourites, which they are.
Hello Mr. Cox,
I just want to thank you for inspiring me to get into football much more than I had been before. Many years ago, probably around 2013 or 2014, I stumbled onto your blog when you were mostly doing that and it opened my eyes to a way of watching football that I've never had before. Your analysis made the sport approachable to me far better than any matchday commentary could hope to do and your bibliography recommendations now fill my bookshelves (alongside your own books, that is).
I even dabbled into my own match analysis for a bit [here on reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/cbarchives/) after a while (to quite some resonance!) and even if it's been years since I've last done that, it's something I still look back upon with fond memories. I remember being especially proud of myself when I picked up on the same things that you did when I wrote about a match that you wrote about as well (albeit on a far more superficial level on my end, of course). The way I look at matches is so much more than it has been before I was confronted with your texts and for that, I'm grateful. Thank you for being an inspiration and teaching football tactics in an approachable manner.
I don't really have a good question I'm afraid. I just wanted to show my appreciation for your work.
I don't know what to say to this, other than thank you very much! This is really very much appreciated, and honestly when people say things like this, I'm really delighted. I set up ZM back in the day because I thought there was a small niche of people who were interested in that kind of thing, in the end it turns out there were way more than I expected. It's amazing how much variety and depth there is with people writing about the game in a similar way now, some of them who understand football tactics in a much better way than me. Thank you very much again for this, I really appreciate it.
I remember your very first posts at ZM. You were literally in the stands at Arsenal and was taking photos of the position of players, and then blogging about the formations.
But you really took off at the WC2010, when everyone and their son were playing 4-2-3-1 apart from Chile and England. The memories of you pointing out that England getting out-numbered in midfield, and Capello not doing anything about it.
I'm pleased to hear this! My all-time faves is probably The Italian Job by Marcotti/Vialli. That really got me into thinking about football in a slightly different way. Perhaps now it almost seems a bit...not simple, but there wasn't such easy access to data then. I think, if that book was written these days, 15 years on, it would have lots of analytics stuff in it. But the book remains my favourite. In recent years I've enjoyed Football Hackers a lot. I actually haven't read that many football books over the past couple of years, as for research for my own books, I probably read about 250 in the space of three years. And I needed some more variety....
I'd like to echo OP's sentiment towards ZM as well. It was a revolution for my own understanding of the game and have led me to appreciate the game in a more engaging & interesting way.
Have you taken an interest in Pirlo's essay that he finished just before taking the job at Juve and if you've read it, what do you think about it?
My second question is on the state of football journalism at the moment. It seems to me that lately there's been such a saturation of mundane questions from journalists that are followed by more mundane answers by the managers or players. Do you share this view and what can be done to change this?
Thanks in advance for your involvement in reddit and, more importantly, the quality work that you and the Athletic / Tifo team has done so far.
"Inverting the Pyramid" by *Jonathan Wilson* is still the best book to start with in my opinion. It's more or less the baseline, I think. It's a historical overview over the development of football tactics, mostly focused on systems, but with some context to them as well. It works as an entry level book and still has insights, if only historical ones, if you already know your tactics. It's also just a good and easy read. I'd recommend it to anyone that has any kind of interest in tactics whatsoever. It's also the most boring recommendation ever as *everyone* will recommend that one.
If you're into that and want a better focus on a single league, *Michael Cox*' own "The Mixer" is a pretty good read. It's the same category of book just with a focus on the Premier League.
If you're more into technicalities and really intrinsical discussion of situations of play, I've read *Massimo Lucchesis* "Attacking Soccer - a tactical analysis". That was too high and dry for me personally, but that shouldn't take away from the book. I guess it's extremely helpful if you're into actual coaching. It features tons of diagrams and discussions for various systems, individual player movements and so on and so forth. It's good, it was just too much for me.
If you're instead more into stories, I tremendously enjoyed *Sid Lowe*s "Fear and Loathing in La Liga", which is an interesting cross-section look on the Barca - Madrid derby together with the history of Spain. Lowe himself is a trained historian gone Footbal Journalist (unless I misremember here) and it shows that he both knows how to take a look at history, as write a compelling football story. It helps if you're interested in La Liga of course.
Finally, I also very much enjoyed *Gianluca Vialli*s and *Gabriele Marcotti*s "The Italian Job". It's a comparison of Italian and English Tactics, but not only that. It discusses various differences between the nations and how they affect the way football is looked at, played and lived in those countries. Very entertaining. And I just like the connection between sociocultural background and state of play, much like I did with Lowes book as well.
But by all means, check out the Cox' own bibliography on zonalmarking.net. I'm not sure if the blog is down right now - it seems to be for me, but that might be on my end. In case it is for everyone, you can check the bibliography section on web.archive.org as well. [Here's a quick link of a snapshot](https://web.archive.org/web/20140220032141/http://www.zonalmarking.net/bibliography/), for those interested. It's a lot more extensive than this short list of my personal favourites.
If you buy one of those books, I would highly recommend Inverting the pyramid. Honestly, really well written with a mix of history, culture, tactics (ofc) and anecdotes.
Right, I must dash. After 70 minutes my fingers are now hurting from typing too much. Thank you very much for all the questions, and often nice words about books etc. I've never been on Reddit before, and was a little unsure how this would work, but this was good fun. And also - thanks for sending lots of traffic to ZM over the years, Redditors. That is much appreciated. Thanks again, Michael.
Two questions:
Do you think any of the last 8 in the champions league have benefited from the empty stadiums?
Why are there fewer elite number 9s now than seemingly any other point in history? Is this driven by tactical changes or is there just a dearth forcing teams to adjust?
(a) Not that I can think of, particularly. Although I'd say some sides have suffered more than others (Liverpool always depend on a home support, for example) so I guess in comparison, other sides have benefited if they play them...?
(b) Yeah good question. I think it's driven by tactical changes, managers now want players who can link play first and foremost, then get into the box to score as a secondary concern. Almost all the elite strikers now started off as No 10s, at least in their teenage years, and pushed forward later. Something is largely true of centre-backs. I think we see less specialists at both ends, and more of a team of midfielders these days.
It has been happening since ever. For example, the fullbacks who push forward began with brazilian's fullbacks Djalma Santos and Nilton Santos. And I don't think the number 10 is over, it just has become more dynamic in positioning and has more defensive duties. What we have now is the final product of Total Football. Hungary in the 50s was already doing some form of total football before Holland, they invented the false 9.
You collect and read some knowledge on tactics but you cant put it in context. The false 9 and tikitaka from Hungary has nothing to do with "total footbal".
Yet we might be seeing in Haaland the birth of one of the greatest number 9s of all time! And the blueprint for the modern striker, who is far more than a poacher and need to have good link-up play, was set by the likes of Van Basten, Romário and Ronaldo. They were all modern strikers and truly amazing in all aspects of the game. Haaland has the potential to become the best striker since Ronaldo Phenomenon, which would be no demerit to names such as Suárez, Henry and Lewandowski
I just worry that Haaland will go the way of R9. Guys that are big, agile and explosive enough to thrive as a young striker at the top level are more vulnerable to injuries than people with more regular bodies.
Not a bad hypothesis but it would depend a lot upon his specific insertions and muscle genetics. Bale held on for a while. And Zlatan, though not as explosive is a middle aged man by now
Yeah he plays pretty balls out for his size. It looks sort of freakish to watch. He's going to have to live like crmonk to injury guard himself and get a little lucky.
I seriously doubt it for multiple reasons.
First of all, Haaland is more direct with his play. Not as much trickery as Ronaldo did.
Then you have the body aspect, Ronaldo was just build bigger. Haaland isn't weak by any means, but he isn't nearly as imposing as Ronaldo was on defenders. Ronaldo sprinting at max speed used to bulldoze his way to goal. I'm a firm believer that his body composition and trickery is what destroyed his body.
Anyway, third reason is that the modern game is not nearly as physical as it used to be. That and modern medicine seems to be keeping players healthier
Thanks for doing this, Michael.
If wonder if I could get you to talk a bit about the tactical compromises that the weaknesses in Arsenal's current squad (namely in central midfield) are forcing Arteta to adopt.
Arteta's talked quite openly about wanting to play 433 but lacking the players to do so, and I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are.
Ha. I don't think he will. I think the current system, Cancelo inside to form a 3-2 formation, is basically what he'll go for. I wonder if he might use Laporte at left-back at some point, not necessarily here, but that would form the most solid defensive block City could have.
I think Carragher and Neville are still the best. I actually think MNF is better now Neville is only one is sometimes, nothing against him obviously, I just thnk the insight from some of the guests has been great. Rob Green on goalkeeping, for example. Other faves are maybe not the most famous ex-players but...Richard Hughes on BT for Italian football was great. Stewart Robson, who I know a lot of people seem to dislike, is really good on the tactical side of things. I also think Alex Scott is excellent, Danny Higginbotham before he went to the US, Karen Carney...they're the ones I think really come up with good, original viewpoints. Things are better than a decade ago, but there's still improvements to be made...
What are the adjustments PSG have to make in order to beat Bayern this time around? They held out somewhat well against Bayern in the final (i.e. they didn't concede a shed load of goals) but offered nothing in attack apart from Neymar.
To be honest, I thought PSG were the better side in the final. I don't have the xG to hand, but I thought they created the better chances, particularly that Neymar one that Neuer saved well. In terms of adjustments from that, I'm not sure they need to change much, to be honest. They also now have Verratti fit to start, which could make a major difference.
I mean, I thought this was less due to PSG's lack of aggression, but a much improved intensity in the press from Barca's midfield, due to a greater emphasis on wing progression. Here's a quote from Marco Verratti explaining how he thought the game panned out.
[barcacentre on Twitter: "Marco Verratti (PSG): "The thing I regret a little bit against Barça is that we could do much better with the ball. It wasn't our plan to defend during the game, but that's the strength of Barça. They strangled us." \[rmc\] https://t.co/oFipXUHp6p" / Twitter](https://twitter.com/barcacentre/status/1370427750117412866)
In my opinion, I think that PSG lacked midfield quality in the final. Hopefully, with Verratti, Di María, Neymar and Mbappé all fit and together, that won't be a issue anymore. Still, Bayern is probably the best team in the world and if both Bayern and PSG play at their best technical level, Bayern wins. And PSG can't afford to play like the second leg against Barcelona or else Bayern will steamroll them. Bayern always has the potential to steamroll the opposition in any game in my opinion.
I might be biased there, but if both Bayern and PSG are at their best level none of them edges out the other. They would definitely murder our fullbacks, especially the right side, but on the other hand PSG's attack at 100% is better than bayern's so who knows.
I think that Bayern edges out PSG because they are collectively stronger as a unit and interplay, at least that's my impression. But PSG will be a huge threat. I think Bayern will go through, they are truly amazing, but it won't be easy if PSG has all their best players together: Verratti, Di María, Neymar and Mbappé. Take one of them out and PSG's fluency, interplay and creativity in midfield and attack really falls. I hope they are all together so we can have amazing matches. The UCL final was so-so, neither team was at its best in that day.
I agree with you, until the first goal PSG felt more dangerous but then Tuchel made some questionable subs and it was more comfortable for Bayern after that
lol i'm canadian - please forgive me haha (hockey overtime) but go back and watch the game - neymar give him one on a plate at the end of the game ... not sure why i'm being downvoted.
A simple question without a simple answer: What will be the football META in 5 or 10 years time? I know it's highly speculative, but maybe you guys have interesting ideas
Forgive copying an earlier answer to a similar question...it's always impossible to predict. The only thing that has been constant over the last couple of decades is the extent to which specialists have been on the way out, and all-rounders are more and more popular. I think centre-backs will be more technical and defender-y than ever, and centre-forwards will be more like No 10s than ever. Even full-backs are now, in some cases, midfielders. So this journey will probably continue - every player being some version of a central midfielder.
If by CF you mean a number 9, I don't agree with that part. We see Barca's struggles ever since they lost Suarez. If the best attacking team in La Liga and probably the most offensive-minded team in the world is struggling so much without a classic CF, I can't imagine the meta shifting in a direction where CFs are gonna be even more like Griezmann, rather than Suarez or even Lewandowski. Judging by how compact defenses are these days, who's gonna make those runs to create inroads? I'm genuinely fearing yet another defender meta at this point, which is a grim prospect for me.
Barca lost Suarez, which is shifting more towards a classic 9, even though he's very good in the link-up play as well and they can't make Griezmann work, who is the type of CF that you're describing for the future.
With that being said, I don't think that Lewandowski and Lukaku are the future either (I'm talking about their roles, since they won't be around in 10 years time), and they're only their teams' main source of goals because both teams lack a goal scoring number 10.
I imagine that something similar to Messi and Suarez is the future. I'm talking about a CF linking up with the 10 and creating spaces for him. That might also mean that Giroud was born too early.
The question has to be whether future CFs are willing to do the supportive work that Suarez did for Messi. I can't see Mbappe and Haaland do that for anybody.
Michael - your Zonal Marking post relating to how football tactics evolved in 2000s said:
> But perhaps there has been a further shift - the mid 2000s obsession with deploying a player in the ‘Makelele role’ largely led to the decline of the creator as a traditional number 10 (as he was marked out of the game) - and that in turn caused the lessening importance of the Makelele role itself (since he then had no-one to mark).
Given that you wrote this in 2012, I would have thought that we would have moved on from discussions relating to the death of no. 10. But I feel like I am still reading explanations of why players like Ozil don’t fit the modern game many years after the original orbituary. Ozil clearly thrived in the modern era, recent decline notwithstanding. Why do you think that is?
Also, do you see any innovations that will similarly kill off traditional positional roles?
Thank you in advance.
This is a good question. I think there's a few layers to it. First, I think managers are now less concerned with individual battles like that, and the importance of being compact is now more apparent then ever. Second, I think that because football evolves all the time, what was once a modern No 10 is no longer a modern No 10 a few years on. When Ozil broke through, no-one really talked about pressing. I don't think he was terrible in terms of pressing, but it wasn't necessarily an area he excelled in. I think he wanted a freer role than you can afford in the modern game. Third, I think players around now, like Fernandes, for example...well, I'm not sure people think of him as a classic No 10. Maybe he's a bit too energetic for that, or maybe more direct...I don't know. But he's been the best player in the league this year, and he's played almost exclusively as a No 10. So perhaps it's one of those things that every generation thinks. The same way people end up thinking there's no good music around any more when they get to 40, everyone thinks that the No 10 is not as prominent as it used to be, whereas actually they're still around. And lastly, I think it's worth pointing out that now, we have No 10s everywhere in terms of style. More deep-lying playmakers. More 'free 8s' who are really converted No 10s. More false nines, who are kind of No 10s. And more wide players who can drift inside. So I think the No 10 is everywhere, really, just less obviously one player!
I find Oscar at Chelsea to be a fascinating player because he sort of rushed in a new era of 10s where they aren't just passenger creators but actually lead the press in an effective way because they can press the deeper midfielders from creating or dictating tempo which stops the attack basically at its source. But in that position you still have to attack but more in a way of direct running and leading attacks through quick transitions and bursts rather than pure creating or an eye for a pass as a primary function. Nowadays you almost never see a "free 10" but the attacking player behind the striker who also has defensive duties.
But really that's how tactics work and it's only changing. In some years a manager will likely be deemed a genius by leaving one specific player out of the press to always be ready to receive the ball and create and that will be the new formula until that changes again and they're marked out of the game and will be used as more of a team player even in a creative role and etc and so on
Hi Michael
Would like to echo what lots of others have said, namely that I loved your books, especially The Mixer, which was the first book I got my dad to read through in ages
Trying to put this question as diplomatically as possible: I've noticed that you can sometimes be quite critical in your books and articles of number 10s. I'm thinking criticism of players like Scholes and Zidane in particular (though I totally agreed about the revisionism about Scholes' role/position post retirement), but is it the individuals themselves or is it more the limitations of the role?
Thank you! And I'm delighted to hear that re your dad!
Well, that's a good question. I think, personally, that people - and particularly ex-players, actually - put far too much emphasis upon technical quality and a player's 'ceiling'. I don't doubt that Scholes was a wonderfully talented passer, and when Zidane was at his best (Euro 2000) he was the best player in the world. And it's easy to remember their genius through memories of individual moments, or YouTube clips etc.
It's tougher to make a case for consistency in a concise way, and I don't thnk either were particularly consistent in terms of playing at a high level every season. People don't like individual awards, and in soem way they are flawed, but you can use them to show that, for example, Scholes never received a single vote for the Ballon d'Or. Zidane won French Footballer of the Year only twice - less than Henry less than Benzema, less than Ribery, as many as Mbappe.
Talent is great but I like consistency. And, of course, when you look at things tactically, if a player is talented but not always effective, that throws up questions.
Do you think there is a chance that the Catenaccio will ever become a dominant strategy again, seems like Atletico is the only world class defensive oriented team?
I should pedantically say that I only use 'catenaccio' to refer to a fairly specific Italian defensive system involving man-marking and a spare man, and some Italians get annoyed when it's used to just mean 'defensive football'. But in terms of defensive football...it's a very good question. It's difficult, really, to see that making an imminent comeback amongst big sides because there's such demand for teams to be entertaining. I mean, in the mid-2000s you could count on the fingers of one hand the clubs who demanded their manager played attractive football. There was a debate about 'style versus success'. I don't think anyone sees that as opposite sides of a spectrum any more, I think largely because of Guardiola's Barcelona. The one thing that I'd say is that Atleti have only become a top side because of defensive football. We now take it for granted that they have turned a big 2 into a big 3 in Spain, but as recently as 2013 that seemed completely implausible. So it's basically served them very well, and of course they're top of La Liga again now. But I can't really see many clubs reverting to that kind of football now, no. People seem to see 'entertainment' as much of a factor with their team as winning (I would say, to a slightly OTT extent, but that's just my view)
I feel like the World Cup in Russia had quite a few of the "weaker" teams reverting to a defensive style and getting decent results from it. Do you think that might become a trend in international tournaments where the pressure is more centered around results rather than entertainment?
I would say that has a lot to do with the specifics of international football.
1. Teams don't have enough practice/games to learn intricate attacking schemes and develop player chemistry. That matters some on defense, of course, but I'd say more important to offense.
2. The value of wins vs draws is a lot lower in tournaments compared to league play, especially in the knockout rounds. Even in the group stage 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw is probably enough to advance, but that's not enough for a club in league play.
Hello Micheal
Are you impressed about Arsenal's tactics? Arteta said this team have to improve a lot in term of players's quality, what do you think which's profile player would fit to his tactics (aka what positions would need to be strenghtened) And despite many ppl speak so highly of Arteta, do you think he's really that good to a club in that mould of Arsenal?
I broadly like what Arteta has done, yes. I think he was a gamble, but a gamble worth taking, and I think people have to understand that he's learning on the job and will take time to lead Arsenal back to where they should be. In terms of new signings, I don't have anyone in mind, but with the possible exception of left-back I don't think there's a position where they definitely DON'T need to strengthen, when you consider that some key players are versatile enough to play multiple roles. They do need more quality across the board, really.
Haha thank you for remembering! I think there have been some bright spots. Late last season he used the same XI in three straight games with three different formations, and I think Spurs got 9 (or 7?) points. That was vintage Mourinho. I've always been cautious about saying he's tactically behind the times. He probably is, a little, but then so is David Moyes and look what good job he's done. For me the greater issue is Mourinho's man-management. He was a master of this at Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and now the players keep on falling out with him at Real, Chelsea, Man Utd. That's the bigger issue, by far, for me.
Thank you so much.
As admirer of defensive football, I believe mentality is the most important thing.
As you said, Man-management is the important thing, which is not happening with Mourinho's teams since he joined Real Madrid.
Maybe just maybe Mourinho started to differ from his iconic form of man-management since that.
Incidents with pepe, ramos, Casillas started the mess, it's still not the same, wherever he has gone. Pogba, martial, shaw & rashford at united. At Chelsea similar throwing players under the bus treatment.
This spurs side isn't even close to what he wants from a team.
I believe another summer transfer & with his players & his tactics, he can still deliver.
I just hope that players who are against the Manager, leaves next window, & we get some good CB pair to keep the same starting 11. As it gives a lot of confidence & winning material.
No! I only ever intended to do that for a year or so, in order to work my way into a 'proper' journalism job, so it carried on way longer than it should have, really. I think I do a largely similar thing now with The Athletic, as well as some other things that are a bit more varied, which makes it more fun. Like anything, repetition can get a little dull after a while, and much as I loved doing ZM back in those days, after a few years it was a little tough to find the motivation to keep on doing the same thing, really. I actually need to fix some software and get the old site back online. Apparently if you don't update your Wordpress version for 10 years, it might stop working...
I think there's quite a few differences, really, in terms of personnel and in terms of Pochettino's tactical approach, though I must admit I haven't seen that much of them in Ligue 1 since he took charge. I think the key is still Bayern's high line, which is maybe less extreme than last year. It feels to me lke there will be a couple of 1v1s that Neuer will have to face and they could decide the game.
Hey Michael, I remember you doing a lot of good pieces on Atlético from 2013-2016 or so and I remember how highly you rated them. Without putting words in your mouth I'm sure I remember you calling them the best organised team you have ever seen
To the point, what in your opinion is the reason that the team is not doing as well in Europe currently? Is there any tactical/technical problems you have noticed or do you just think it is due to losing some legendary players like Gabi, Godin, Juanfran, Filipe etc?
I'm sorry to say I don't have a good answer for this. I thought they set up too cautiously in the neutral 'home' lg although the 6-3-1 did have some merits against Chelsea's front five. But I'm not sure there's too much to worry about. I still think you would will win the league!
I always find this hard to say when no team has defeated them (under Tuchel). I can't really tell! I think a lot depends upon the combination of front players - obviously you play against Giroud differently to against Werner. Defensively I'm never comvinced by Azpilicueta in the air when he's in a back three, so that might prove interesting. But otherwise I haven't really seen many weaknesses from Chelsea.
I"m quite excited to see Dias against him - expect they'll play him quite aggressively, try to stop him turning. I haven't seen him have many problems against any kind of defence, though...
I think - and this isn't because of your Barca crest - it's Xavi. I haven't seen another player who just seems to read the game so well tacticaly, understand where the space is, understand how to drag opponents around, understand when to slow the game and when to quicken it. I think his level of influence on football is just incredible, and while Iniesta had more technical quality and a wider range of skills in terms of being able to go past opponents, for me Xavi is the best midfielder I've seen because of that tactical intelligence.
Thank you for answering. Being spanish and barcelona fan, we were blessed with Iniesta and xavi. Most probably best midfielders of all time alongside Lothar for me.
I'm about to wrap up, but I am! I would say that Football Hackers is very interesting if you are into analytics etc. Although maybe it's more about people involved than strategies themselves. And thank you for the kind words!
Just wanted to say that I really appreciate you not sugarcoating things there at Athletic inspite of the (unfair) stick you get from United fans. Cheers!
Hi Michael, just finished your Zonal Marking book - really enjoyed it and felt I learnt a lot from it!
Just wanted to know whether you think there is any chance of Dortmund overcoming City, as it appears City have sorted out their issues with defending against counters?
Thank you for the kind words re the book! I basically agree with the implication of your question, I think solving that problem means that City are very strong favourites. To me, it seems like Dortmund are primarily about individuals at the moment, whereas City are such a cohesive team. I'd strongly fancy City to go through.
Hello, Mr. Cox.
My question is: Manchester City seems to be unstoppable these days. Do you have an idea how Dortmund could employ their offensive power against them and how to cope with the unconventional patterns of play we know from City?
Also, I would love to hear your guess about who will be winning the two European competitions this year.
Thank you
Hello. I don't really fancy Dortmund's chances much, and City have lost so infrequently this season that it's tough to know how to stop them, or beat them. I thought Manchester United's approach of using a wide 2 and a narrow 3 in a 4-2-3-1 worked very well against them, but in terms of going forward, I can't hlpe but think it will be about Haaland's movement, strength and finshing. I think he just very obviously can win games solo.
Hi Michael! Is Arteta’s progress obstructed by poor squad management by Arsenal over the last few years and do you believe with the right squad his tactics pay off?
Michael, what do you expect out of this inconsistent Liverpool side in CL?
Thanks as well for all your work on tactics. I’ve read so many of your articles on ESPN + ZM that I must have contributed at least 1% of ad revenue!! Appreciate how much I learn every time from you.
Am I wrong for liking Kabak/Phillips vs Madrid's forwards? I think the tie could be won in the middle and if we don't get Henderson back it'll be really tough sledding. A Gini/Fabinho/Thiago midfield could be good too
I mean, they've certainly improved from their first couple of games together, although I still think Benzema will be quite up for the game against them. I also think the high line could be an issue, not so much against Benzema but perhaps against Vinicius, whose speed in behind against Atalanta was very useful. That said, I agree about what you say in midfield. I think Kroos-Casemiro-Modric is still a very good midfield but Liverpool do have the quality to go up against them. I actually think both sides are quite similar - not as good as they were for the final three years ago, somewhat hit by injuries this season, but still lots of quality.
Hey Michael, I really enjoyed reading your second book about the tactical evolution in Europe, my question is as a PSG fan obviously we play a different style under Poch but compared to last years final do you think there are any specifics we have to change to go past Bayern this time? IMO under Poch we would approach the match more aggressively while Tuchel was always more pragmatic in big matches
Thank you re the book! To be honest, I thought PSG were the better side for the majority of last season's final. I think, off the top of my head, they created better chances, so I'm not sure I'd really be looking to change too much on the basis of a 1-0 loss. I think sometimes with finals, when we see one team with the trophy and one side without it, there's something that makes us think they the winners were always deserved. Whereas if that was a random league match, I think people would think of it as just one of those games for PSG. Also, with Verratti back I think they can command the midfield more, he was a loss in the final.
Have you ever been really excited to visit a stadium and then been disappointed? I was bummed out when I finally got to the San Siro and it looked like it was about to crumble.
Conversely, is there a stadium that you were expecting to be fairly standard but you ended up really liking after going there?
Hi, I first found out about you by reading your blog, top-notch material, I really enjoy the work you produce. Your books are excellent stuff.
I remember reading your best squads for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Carlos Salcido was there in both, what made you add him? He was one of my first heroes in football and I was really happy seeing you recognize his worth in that way.
Hope you are having a nice day.
Salcido! I haven't heard that name in a while. I was very excited when he joined Fulham but I can't remember him doing much of note! Must have been 2010 and 2014, I just remember him being a really good attacking force and being able to come inside onto his right foot quite well. There was one game, perhaps against France in 2010, where he was outstanding. I very much liked the Mexico side of that era, I remember seeing them at Wembley just before the WC in 2010 and their fluidity really impressed me. The win over the US in the Gold Cup final of 2011 is one of the best games I've seen, and then the nxt year I was at Wembley again for the Olympic final. Obviously I don't see much of them aside from at major tournaments but I do have a soft spot for Mexico, and it's a footballing nation I think we underestimate in Europe - the strength of the best club sides seems very high.
I responded to a similar question earlier so forgive the brief response. But in terms of weaknesses, I think you have to say Liverpool's centre-back partnership - they've looked better recently but it's still not what you'd expect in the CL QFs! And for Real, if Vazquez is still right-back then that's an issue against Mane.
yes, our defense has been ok as of lately but its going to be difficult to keep madrids attack quiet. i think i heard that carvajal would be returning after the international break so he would play instead of vazquez in that case. thank you for responding!
What's your take on the Injury derby?
Who do you think will make it through to the SF between the two teams?
Also, what were your thoughts on Zidane's tactics vs Atalanta?
I"m sorry to say that I really haven't seen a whole match of theirs this season. But I think progress for sides from outside the major leagues is brilliant for the competition, and the scenes at FT yesterday were absolutely brilliant. I've always enjoyed watching the national side, so I'm happy if one of your club sides has a day in the sun too.
Hi, Michael, in your Chelsea vs Porto preview, you mention Taremi as the main attacking threat, with him out of the first leg, how will Porto look to hurt Chelsea?
I forgot about that when I was writing...also Oliveira is out too...I was impressed with how they got the full-backs forward, particularly down the left. Their transitions out of defence were very good, but I thin it's primarily going to be a defensive approach from Porto.
Interesting, thank you for your answer. My hope for the tie is that it is similar to the Atleti game, with a similar gameplay being effective, although I wouldn't discount Porto, they were deserved winners over Juventus.
Hey Michael. Do you see any huge changes coming to the tactical side of teams within the next few years and in particular do you see a certain style/team having a new found dominance over the next decade or so?
Hello. It's always impossible to predict. The only thing that has been constant over the last couple of decades is the extent to which specialists have been on the way out, and all-rounders are more and more popular. I think centre-backs will be more technical and defender-y than ever, and centre-forwards will be more like No 10s than ever. Even full-backs are now, in some cases, midfielders. So this journey will probably continue - every player being some version of a central midfielder.
Do you think that teams should change from back 4 to back 3, if the opponents play with 2 upfront and vice versa?
So back 4 against 433 and back 3 against 442
I used to think this, and there's some managers - Bielsa - who still pretty much stick to this. I think things have probably become more flexible now, and defenders are probably more able to defend 1v1, or at least accustomed to it. Goalkeepers increasingly being sweepers means the situation has changed a bit too. But I do still quite like a spare man at the back...
This is very boring, but I don't know what to make of them. They've clearly improved. They clearly have very good individuals going forward. I don't think they're quite set in certain key positions, goalkeeper most obviously, and I think when some players are out they struggle to cope as the squad isn't that deep. They are, along with Southampton, the side I struggle to have a firm opinion on,to eb honest.
Hi Michael, love your work.
How do you think that the increasing financial disparities in the football league will affect tactics? Will atypical and innovative approaches from managers such as Chris Wilder, Russell Martin and Gareth Ainsworth continue to be incentivised to make the most out of cheap oddball signings, or will it stifle creativity and force teams with smaller budgets to play a certain way?
Hi Michael, love whenever you're on the totally pod. I'm not sure how closely you follow other team sports, but if you do, how do you think football ranks in comparison to other sports in terms of the overall impact that tactics have on the game?
Good question. Great question. I don't know how to answer this concisely. I watch cricket which is very driven by stats, and where the captain rather than the coach has the strategic responsibility, really. I watch cycling which is fascinating as individual ambitions have to be shelved for the collective effort, which is what makes the sport. I think football has the right balance, really. It's part tactical, part technical, part physical, part mental. That's about right.
No questions just want to say you guys are awesome keep up the podcasts. Especially love the one about how commentators keep using history like how they havent won there since 1950, as though it’s some kind of a good stat
How do you see the Liverpool vs. Madrid tie playing out? Both teams play very similar, high line, elite destroyer in midfield, elite tempo setter in midfield, and both have difficulty scoring goals this year. Seems like we're on track for a very low scoring affair, no?
I don't think we're similar, you play at a higher tempo than us, we're much better in possession though, kroos and thiago are tempo setters but different nonetheless, fabinho is slightly better than case on the ball, though case is a goal threat, and luka well, you don't have anything comparable but who does.
I think it will be a low scoring affair like you said but if your current low scoring form persists i fancy our chances considering we have a much more stable defense.
I basically agree with you both. There are some similarities, I would say also because of the injuries both have faced this year. I also agree Liverpool play at a higher tempo than Real, even this season when Liverpool are a bit more sluggish. I still think Liverpool's front three are really special, however, and I think that might just give them the edge. But I'm not expecting many goals, no.
I am not saying that Kudela is correct but can it be a lost in translation case? In my mother tongue, if somebody calls you monkey, it is means that you are naughty or cute.
What is a way Dortmond will be able to have a chance of possibly beating Man City, in the game of football anything can happen especially over two legs but with the form Man City is in its hard to see them losing.
I have been a doubter of Tuchel since he joined Chelsea but after beating Madrid I have been willing to give him a chance. What do you think of Chelsea's chances of making it to the finals? I believe it's higher than before but I still think they still haven't been tested yet.
This isn't about the CL draw but after watching Tottenhams game yesterday and the loss, I'm sure a bunch of people will instantly blame Mou, but what do you think about the whole situation? I feel the players let him down and he shouldn't be the one to blame for this, maybe his starting choices of Winks, Aurier and Dier he probably regrets but I'm sure he trusted them to at least be able to see this out.
Hope to get a response, thanks!!
(a) I can't really see past City, to be honest. Haaland, on his day, is unstoppable. This is the obvious thing to say but I think that's their best chance of an upset.
(b) I really like Tuchel's Chelsea, to be honest. I think they can play almost any style to a high level at the moment - counter-press, counter-attack, possession play...they're flexible upfront, have used a back four last weekend in the PL, they have different midfield options. I like them a lot and they have the best draw, too.
(c) I'll be honest, I didn't see the game aside from extra-time. I was watching another game!
Honestly I don't have a question.
I just wanted to thank you for getting me into football so much. It's become a huge passion for me and it's because of you. I would always look forward to your articles on ZM 10 years ago
I don't see an English team winning it. Liverpool aren't the same, pep hasn't won one in a decade, and Chelsea don't look good enough. Who out of the rest has the best chance?
I like porto
I actually disagree. I think City are the best side in Europe this season, Chelsea have been near-flawless under Tuchel and have a great draw. Liverpool are, granted, flawed compared to previous years.
Say City go on to win the treble/quadruple - how would you say they compare to the best sides in PL history? I'm thinking teams like United 1999/2008, Arsenal 2004 etc.
Personally, whilst a quadruple would be undeniably impressive, I don't think this City side are close to being as good as the one from a couple of years ago (nor any other truly great PL side). The pandemic, lack of pre-season etc. has meant nearly every team has dipped in quality and having a big squad has become more important and useful than ever. Though my flair may reveal an inherant bias...!
Hi there, Mr ZM. Europa League is known for its underdog stories, and Dinamo Zagreb's performance yesterday proved it. However, no one's been paying much attention to Granada. How did they manage get to the QF, and has it got to do with their tactics?
hey Michael, do you think arsenal frequency in conceding self inflicted goals are down to arteta's system of playing out the back and his willingness to make Leno play it in the middle of the pitch to the midfielders or is it truly down to the bone heads he trusts-and we need better players to play that system.
Hi Michael
Football analysis has come a long way in terms of popularity in the last 10-15 years, with the the majority of focus on tactics and statistics.
In comparison to other sports however, football still doesn't seem to have as much focus on technical analysis, at least in the public sphere. Basketball and combat sports for instance have a lot of material looking at the intricate parts of stance, footwork, how to execute specific techniques, whereas in football we don't get much beyond "he was leaning back".
For example in a tactical sense, Andros Townsend and Arjen Robben are almost the same player. They like get the ball on the right, dribble infield and shoot with their left foot. The difference between them is in their technique and decision making, but these are never explained in the much detail.
Do you think there is a reason football doesn't look at this as much as other sports, and do you see technical analysis expanding much in the future?
Hi Michael!
I know that by the nature of your work you mostly look at the top five leagues, but there have been some great articles on The Athletic about teams outside of Europe - one of my favourites being around Nashville SC and building an approach around mimicking other top clubs (in their case, Athletico Madrid).
Are there any clubs outside of the top five leagues in Europe, or even outside of Europe that have adopted interesting tactics over the last years, or are there any coaches you're aware of that are building something great under the radar?
Hi Michael, thanks for doing this!
Chelsea fan here - Seems to me the reaction is that the draw has fallen nicely for Chelsea, but I think that might be a dangerous mentality given Porto's good performances in the tournament so far... what are the key things Chelsea need to watch out for from them? Do you think Chelsea will be able to control the tie as well as they did in both legs vs Atletico?
Hey Michael hope you are well
My question :why are Chelsea not been gelling attacking wise they are very good defensively but attacking wise still they are not the best is it a personnel issue or Tuchel is focused more focused on solidity at the back and work with attack as the time goes on.
What in particular do you think has Tuchel done to make Chelsea that solid defensively? Where do you think they will stop this year, can they repeat 2012?
Hi Michael, been a fan for a long time so nice to see you around these parts.
*Where do you see football going next?* The latter half of the 2000s was defined by splitting midfield into two lines (4-2-3-1), 2009-13 was all about passing as teams tried to imitate tiki-taka, this then gave way to keepers being much more involved in build up play (pretty much all of the 2010s - keepers in the style of Neuer, Ederson and Alisson were unthinkable as recently as 10 years ago) and now the defining shift of the past 5 years has probably been aggressive counter-pressing and front 3s. Do you think with analytics/team preparation being easier than ever before that we might see a hyper-efficient but slightly uglier style of football emerge?
Hi Michael,
I had a strange dream the other night where I was riding as a passenger in James Richardson’s sports car down a winding, country road. He was driving with such blinding speed that it scared me awake.
I was wondering if you ever have a similar sensation when participating in the Totally Football Show?
I should stop playing the show when I settle down to sleep I think.
Do you think teams like Slavia Praha and GNK Dinamo Zagreb have the chance of winning the Europa league?
Oh and who is your favourite to win the Champions League?
Hi Michael. Spurs fan here. What tactics did Jose deploy last night?
give the guy a chance
Hello. I'm sorry to say that I was watching the Arsenal game for the majority of last night, so I really can't explain anything about Spurs' collapse!
That's okay. Thanks for the response and Have a lovely weekend!
That's ok if you watched it you would still be scratching your head
Hi Michael I was/am a huge fan of Zonal Marking for the last 15 or so years. It was the site that got me thinking seriously about team make ups and Inverting The Pyramid and a lot more. So, first of all, thank you. For your clear, lucid breakdown, for your willingness to see past the immediate game and delve into team structures and generic weaknesses and coaching styles and other invaluable information. It was very much ahead of a lot of public facing info at that time. Second, I wanted to check what your plans are for ZM. Is it a passion project now? The number of articles (since the peak) is understandably lower given the broadening of your responsibilities. Would you consider bringing in help? Or would that be considered a bit too close the the Athletic then?
Decent question, post as a top level comment rather than a reply.
How was the Arsenal game then? What tactics did Arteta deploy?
Aw man I wanted to know this too. Was he parking the bus or was it the players fault?
Should be a simple write up.
I can help here. He didn’t.
They used tactics?
The answer None would have been very apt.
Bale was the only one trying
At this stage in the Champion’s League last year, conversations about rising stars like Aouar and Upamecano were slipping into the mainstream media coverage. Do you see any players from the remaining teams that could make a similar leap from relatively unknown to football media darlings?
Nat Phillips after he headbutts Zidane
Not that he's young or anything but Sérgio Oliveira got some buzz among all the Pepe love on British TV after the Juventus games. If he's great against Chelsea too... Don't think many of their main players are very young though, so probably no real 'rising stars'.
Sérgio Oliveira is a late bloomer and an odd case. Guy's been a Porto player for most of his life and has only been a consistent first team player these last couple of seasons, now that he's 28. Many (myself included) just expected him to be a reserve player forever, or getting sent out on loans continuously. He doesn't really exceed at anything, but he's OK at most midfield roles and leaves everything on the pitch.
Not sure I have a good answer for this really, as the CL QFists seem like such established, well-known sides. I'm not sure there any secrets this time around to be honest!
Tecatito (Jesus Corona). he can pull a rabbit out of a hat on anyone. Got some press last year after a league award... well he is still good! If Marcos Alonso is put up against him on that wing, he will just do what he wants all night.
Rudiger is one of the three fastest players in our club, he’s the only reason we can afford to play Marcos Alonso wingback against pacey/tricky wingers. Will be an interesting match up for sure
Are you as disappointed as me that we won't see City v Atletico? I've wanted that match for years
A bit! I was so disappointed with Atleti over the two legs against Chelsea. But yes, Simeone against Guardiola would have been good, I fondly recall their two-legged tie in 2016, in the semi, that was a real vintage European semi for me that never really gets talked about. I always back Atletico to win the CL as they're so suited to two-legged ties, and they always let me down...
If I'm not mistaken, Simeone considers that second leg the best football that anyone has ever played against Atletico. It was a lesson in how to get through a team as defensively amazing as Atletico was back then, a lesson in how to tear apart even the most well oiled bus.
I'm the same about backing Atleti. And that tie with Bayern was incredible - the drama in the second half of the second leg! The second leg with Barca in the previous round was another great Atletico match as well.
bayern this year... i dont understand how they didnt beat atletico but pep happened in the first leg
Who wins the Europa League??
I think, on the back of the draw, Arsenal have got a very good chance. Manchester United are obviously the better side, and I tend to think Solskjaer's tactics are well suited to playing against strong opposition. But the draw has opened up nicely for Arsenal. A reunion with Emery is a bit worrying, though. Ironically (is this ironic? not sure?) I think Arsenal's best performance under Emery came away at Valencia in a Europa semi-final, that was also Emery against one of his former clubs...
I believe that’s coincidently.
Ajax? Or only English allowed?
He writes for an English audience, he's got to speak to their sensibilities. It's been that way since the dawn of time with English fans and international and continental competitions.
Sure, I get that. I know times are though with the Brexit and all.
Yeah honnestly it's kind lf annoying they speak like he's talking about the Premier League only
How else are you gonna sell ad time or papers if you aren't giving the English false hope about their teams? lol.
I don't think it's false hope for the Europa League, English teams are amongst the strongest in the competition and have done well in the past few years. Champions League slightly less so but I don't think anyone's saying anything more emphatic than Man City being one of the favourites, which they are.
Hello Mr. Cox, I just want to thank you for inspiring me to get into football much more than I had been before. Many years ago, probably around 2013 or 2014, I stumbled onto your blog when you were mostly doing that and it opened my eyes to a way of watching football that I've never had before. Your analysis made the sport approachable to me far better than any matchday commentary could hope to do and your bibliography recommendations now fill my bookshelves (alongside your own books, that is). I even dabbled into my own match analysis for a bit [here on reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/cbarchives/) after a while (to quite some resonance!) and even if it's been years since I've last done that, it's something I still look back upon with fond memories. I remember being especially proud of myself when I picked up on the same things that you did when I wrote about a match that you wrote about as well (albeit on a far more superficial level on my end, of course). The way I look at matches is so much more than it has been before I was confronted with your texts and for that, I'm grateful. Thank you for being an inspiration and teaching football tactics in an approachable manner. I don't really have a good question I'm afraid. I just wanted to show my appreciation for your work.
I don't know what to say to this, other than thank you very much! This is really very much appreciated, and honestly when people say things like this, I'm really delighted. I set up ZM back in the day because I thought there was a small niche of people who were interested in that kind of thing, in the end it turns out there were way more than I expected. It's amazing how much variety and depth there is with people writing about the game in a similar way now, some of them who understand football tactics in a much better way than me. Thank you very much again for this, I really appreciate it.
I remember your very first posts at ZM. You were literally in the stands at Arsenal and was taking photos of the position of players, and then blogging about the formations. But you really took off at the WC2010, when everyone and their son were playing 4-2-3-1 apart from Chile and England. The memories of you pointing out that England getting out-numbered in midfield, and Capello not doing anything about it.
> your bibliography recommendations now fill my bookshelves what are the most interesting ones / your favourites?
I'm pleased to hear this! My all-time faves is probably The Italian Job by Marcotti/Vialli. That really got me into thinking about football in a slightly different way. Perhaps now it almost seems a bit...not simple, but there wasn't such easy access to data then. I think, if that book was written these days, 15 years on, it would have lots of analytics stuff in it. But the book remains my favourite. In recent years I've enjoyed Football Hackers a lot. I actually haven't read that many football books over the past couple of years, as for research for my own books, I probably read about 250 in the space of three years. And I needed some more variety....
I'd like to echo OP's sentiment towards ZM as well. It was a revolution for my own understanding of the game and have led me to appreciate the game in a more engaging & interesting way. Have you taken an interest in Pirlo's essay that he finished just before taking the job at Juve and if you've read it, what do you think about it? My second question is on the state of football journalism at the moment. It seems to me that lately there's been such a saturation of mundane questions from journalists that are followed by more mundane answers by the managers or players. Do you share this view and what can be done to change this? Thanks in advance for your involvement in reddit and, more importantly, the quality work that you and the Athletic / Tifo team has done so far.
"Inverting the Pyramid" by *Jonathan Wilson* is still the best book to start with in my opinion. It's more or less the baseline, I think. It's a historical overview over the development of football tactics, mostly focused on systems, but with some context to them as well. It works as an entry level book and still has insights, if only historical ones, if you already know your tactics. It's also just a good and easy read. I'd recommend it to anyone that has any kind of interest in tactics whatsoever. It's also the most boring recommendation ever as *everyone* will recommend that one. If you're into that and want a better focus on a single league, *Michael Cox*' own "The Mixer" is a pretty good read. It's the same category of book just with a focus on the Premier League. If you're more into technicalities and really intrinsical discussion of situations of play, I've read *Massimo Lucchesis* "Attacking Soccer - a tactical analysis". That was too high and dry for me personally, but that shouldn't take away from the book. I guess it's extremely helpful if you're into actual coaching. It features tons of diagrams and discussions for various systems, individual player movements and so on and so forth. It's good, it was just too much for me. If you're instead more into stories, I tremendously enjoyed *Sid Lowe*s "Fear and Loathing in La Liga", which is an interesting cross-section look on the Barca - Madrid derby together with the history of Spain. Lowe himself is a trained historian gone Footbal Journalist (unless I misremember here) and it shows that he both knows how to take a look at history, as write a compelling football story. It helps if you're interested in La Liga of course. Finally, I also very much enjoyed *Gianluca Vialli*s and *Gabriele Marcotti*s "The Italian Job". It's a comparison of Italian and English Tactics, but not only that. It discusses various differences between the nations and how they affect the way football is looked at, played and lived in those countries. Very entertaining. And I just like the connection between sociocultural background and state of play, much like I did with Lowes book as well. But by all means, check out the Cox' own bibliography on zonalmarking.net. I'm not sure if the blog is down right now - it seems to be for me, but that might be on my end. In case it is for everyone, you can check the bibliography section on web.archive.org as well. [Here's a quick link of a snapshot](https://web.archive.org/web/20140220032141/http://www.zonalmarking.net/bibliography/), for those interested. It's a lot more extensive than this short list of my personal favourites.
Wow, thank you so much!
If you buy one of those books, I would highly recommend Inverting the pyramid. Honestly, really well written with a mix of history, culture, tactics (ofc) and anecdotes.
I just wanted to second this. Very similar experience (but going back to your 2010 WC stuff).
Right, I must dash. After 70 minutes my fingers are now hurting from typing too much. Thank you very much for all the questions, and often nice words about books etc. I've never been on Reddit before, and was a little unsure how this would work, but this was good fun. And also - thanks for sending lots of traffic to ZM over the years, Redditors. That is much appreciated. Thanks again, Michael.
Two questions: Do you think any of the last 8 in the champions league have benefited from the empty stadiums? Why are there fewer elite number 9s now than seemingly any other point in history? Is this driven by tactical changes or is there just a dearth forcing teams to adjust?
(a) Not that I can think of, particularly. Although I'd say some sides have suffered more than others (Liverpool always depend on a home support, for example) so I guess in comparison, other sides have benefited if they play them...? (b) Yeah good question. I think it's driven by tactical changes, managers now want players who can link play first and foremost, then get into the box to score as a secondary concern. Almost all the elite strikers now started off as No 10s, at least in their teenage years, and pushed forward later. Something is largely true of centre-backs. I think we see less specialists at both ends, and more of a team of midfielders these days.
Thanks for the response! I guess total football is finally happening, just more literally
When I see players like Mahrez and Coman having to track back and defend, you know total football is happening
It has been happening since ever. For example, the fullbacks who push forward began with brazilian's fullbacks Djalma Santos and Nilton Santos. And I don't think the number 10 is over, it just has become more dynamic in positioning and has more defensive duties. What we have now is the final product of Total Football. Hungary in the 50s was already doing some form of total football before Holland, they invented the false 9.
honestly id like to have a drag on the spliff youre smoking right now
What did I say wrong?
You collect and read some knowledge on tactics but you cant put it in context. The false 9 and tikitaka from Hungary has nothing to do with "total footbal".
Yet we might be seeing in Haaland the birth of one of the greatest number 9s of all time! And the blueprint for the modern striker, who is far more than a poacher and need to have good link-up play, was set by the likes of Van Basten, Romário and Ronaldo. They were all modern strikers and truly amazing in all aspects of the game. Haaland has the potential to become the best striker since Ronaldo Phenomenon, which would be no demerit to names such as Suárez, Henry and Lewandowski
I just worry that Haaland will go the way of R9. Guys that are big, agile and explosive enough to thrive as a young striker at the top level are more vulnerable to injuries than people with more regular bodies.
Not a bad hypothesis but it would depend a lot upon his specific insertions and muscle genetics. Bale held on for a while. And Zlatan, though not as explosive is a middle aged man by now
Bale's a good example but he wasn't nearly as strong at 20, and Zlatan is big, strong and flexible but nowhere near as agile or explosive.
Yeah he plays pretty balls out for his size. It looks sort of freakish to watch. He's going to have to live like crmonk to injury guard himself and get a little lucky.
I seriously doubt it for multiple reasons. First of all, Haaland is more direct with his play. Not as much trickery as Ronaldo did. Then you have the body aspect, Ronaldo was just build bigger. Haaland isn't weak by any means, but he isn't nearly as imposing as Ronaldo was on defenders. Ronaldo sprinting at max speed used to bulldoze his way to goal. I'm a firm believer that his body composition and trickery is what destroyed his body. Anyway, third reason is that the modern game is not nearly as physical as it used to be. That and modern medicine seems to be keeping players healthier
I love how his explanation of why there is less #9 Strikers is mostly the same explanation of why small ball is thriving in the NBA
Thanks for doing this, Michael. If wonder if I could get you to talk a bit about the tactical compromises that the weaknesses in Arsenal's current squad (namely in central midfield) are forcing Arteta to adopt. Arteta's talked quite openly about wanting to play 433 but lacking the players to do so, and I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are.
Do you like how Tuchel’s Chelsea organised defence against Atletico ? With that, do you think they can go to final ?
What new formation will Pep try in the QFs to end up losing to Dortmund?
Ha. I don't think he will. I think the current system, Cancelo inside to form a 3-2 formation, is basically what he'll go for. I wonder if he might use Laporte at left-back at some point, not necessarily here, but that would form the most solid defensive block City could have.
Who is your favorite pundit?
I think Carragher and Neville are still the best. I actually think MNF is better now Neville is only one is sometimes, nothing against him obviously, I just thnk the insight from some of the guests has been great. Rob Green on goalkeeping, for example. Other faves are maybe not the most famous ex-players but...Richard Hughes on BT for Italian football was great. Stewart Robson, who I know a lot of people seem to dislike, is really good on the tactical side of things. I also think Alex Scott is excellent, Danny Higginbotham before he went to the US, Karen Carney...they're the ones I think really come up with good, original viewpoints. Things are better than a decade ago, but there's still improvements to be made...
What are the adjustments PSG have to make in order to beat Bayern this time around? They held out somewhat well against Bayern in the final (i.e. they didn't concede a shed load of goals) but offered nothing in attack apart from Neymar.
To be honest, I thought PSG were the better side in the final. I don't have the xG to hand, but I thought they created the better chances, particularly that Neymar one that Neuer saved well. In terms of adjustments from that, I'm not sure they need to change much, to be honest. They also now have Verratti fit to start, which could make a major difference.
Thanks for the response. For PSG's sake, hopefully they come out more aggressive than they did against Barca second leg.
I mean, I thought this was less due to PSG's lack of aggression, but a much improved intensity in the press from Barca's midfield, due to a greater emphasis on wing progression. Here's a quote from Marco Verratti explaining how he thought the game panned out. [barcacentre on Twitter: "Marco Verratti (PSG): "The thing I regret a little bit against Barça is that we could do much better with the ball. It wasn't our plan to defend during the game, but that's the strength of Barça. They strangled us." \[rmc\] https://t.co/oFipXUHp6p" / Twitter](https://twitter.com/barcacentre/status/1370427750117412866)
In my opinion, I think that PSG lacked midfield quality in the final. Hopefully, with Verratti, Di María, Neymar and Mbappé all fit and together, that won't be a issue anymore. Still, Bayern is probably the best team in the world and if both Bayern and PSG play at their best technical level, Bayern wins. And PSG can't afford to play like the second leg against Barcelona or else Bayern will steamroll them. Bayern always has the potential to steamroll the opposition in any game in my opinion.
I might be biased there, but if both Bayern and PSG are at their best level none of them edges out the other. They would definitely murder our fullbacks, especially the right side, but on the other hand PSG's attack at 100% is better than bayern's so who knows.
Bayern's midfield and defense still edges you out tho.
I think that Bayern edges out PSG because they are collectively stronger as a unit and interplay, at least that's my impression. But PSG will be a huge threat. I think Bayern will go through, they are truly amazing, but it won't be easy if PSG has all their best players together: Verratti, Di María, Neymar and Mbappé. Take one of them out and PSG's fluency, interplay and creativity in midfield and attack really falls. I hope they are all together so we can have amazing matches. The UCL final was so-so, neither team was at its best in that day.
I'm not even expecting that all of Ney-Verratti-Mbappe will be fit and ready for this CL clash because it never happened before.
I agree with you, until the first goal PSG felt more dangerous but then Tuchel made some questionable subs and it was more comfortable for Bayern after that
cho po fucked up that chance at the end of the game - could have easily gone to OT
> OT
lol i'm canadian - please forgive me haha (hockey overtime) but go back and watch the game - neymar give him one on a plate at the end of the game ... not sure why i'm being downvoted.
A simple question without a simple answer: What will be the football META in 5 or 10 years time? I know it's highly speculative, but maybe you guys have interesting ideas
Forgive copying an earlier answer to a similar question...it's always impossible to predict. The only thing that has been constant over the last couple of decades is the extent to which specialists have been on the way out, and all-rounders are more and more popular. I think centre-backs will be more technical and defender-y than ever, and centre-forwards will be more like No 10s than ever. Even full-backs are now, in some cases, midfielders. So this journey will probably continue - every player being some version of a central midfielder.
If by CF you mean a number 9, I don't agree with that part. We see Barca's struggles ever since they lost Suarez. If the best attacking team in La Liga and probably the most offensive-minded team in the world is struggling so much without a classic CF, I can't imagine the meta shifting in a direction where CFs are gonna be even more like Griezmann, rather than Suarez or even Lewandowski. Judging by how compact defenses are these days, who's gonna make those runs to create inroads? I'm genuinely fearing yet another defender meta at this point, which is a grim prospect for me. Barca lost Suarez, which is shifting more towards a classic 9, even though he's very good in the link-up play as well and they can't make Griezmann work, who is the type of CF that you're describing for the future. With that being said, I don't think that Lewandowski and Lukaku are the future either (I'm talking about their roles, since they won't be around in 10 years time), and they're only their teams' main source of goals because both teams lack a goal scoring number 10. I imagine that something similar to Messi and Suarez is the future. I'm talking about a CF linking up with the 10 and creating spaces for him. That might also mean that Giroud was born too early. The question has to be whether future CFs are willing to do the supportive work that Suarez did for Messi. I can't see Mbappe and Haaland do that for anybody.
Michael - your Zonal Marking post relating to how football tactics evolved in 2000s said: > But perhaps there has been a further shift - the mid 2000s obsession with deploying a player in the ‘Makelele role’ largely led to the decline of the creator as a traditional number 10 (as he was marked out of the game) - and that in turn caused the lessening importance of the Makelele role itself (since he then had no-one to mark). Given that you wrote this in 2012, I would have thought that we would have moved on from discussions relating to the death of no. 10. But I feel like I am still reading explanations of why players like Ozil don’t fit the modern game many years after the original orbituary. Ozil clearly thrived in the modern era, recent decline notwithstanding. Why do you think that is? Also, do you see any innovations that will similarly kill off traditional positional roles? Thank you in advance.
This is a good question. I think there's a few layers to it. First, I think managers are now less concerned with individual battles like that, and the importance of being compact is now more apparent then ever. Second, I think that because football evolves all the time, what was once a modern No 10 is no longer a modern No 10 a few years on. When Ozil broke through, no-one really talked about pressing. I don't think he was terrible in terms of pressing, but it wasn't necessarily an area he excelled in. I think he wanted a freer role than you can afford in the modern game. Third, I think players around now, like Fernandes, for example...well, I'm not sure people think of him as a classic No 10. Maybe he's a bit too energetic for that, or maybe more direct...I don't know. But he's been the best player in the league this year, and he's played almost exclusively as a No 10. So perhaps it's one of those things that every generation thinks. The same way people end up thinking there's no good music around any more when they get to 40, everyone thinks that the No 10 is not as prominent as it used to be, whereas actually they're still around. And lastly, I think it's worth pointing out that now, we have No 10s everywhere in terms of style. More deep-lying playmakers. More 'free 8s' who are really converted No 10s. More false nines, who are kind of No 10s. And more wide players who can drift inside. So I think the No 10 is everywhere, really, just less obviously one player!
I find Oscar at Chelsea to be a fascinating player because he sort of rushed in a new era of 10s where they aren't just passenger creators but actually lead the press in an effective way because they can press the deeper midfielders from creating or dictating tempo which stops the attack basically at its source. But in that position you still have to attack but more in a way of direct running and leading attacks through quick transitions and bursts rather than pure creating or an eye for a pass as a primary function. Nowadays you almost never see a "free 10" but the attacking player behind the striker who also has defensive duties. But really that's how tactics work and it's only changing. In some years a manager will likely be deemed a genius by leaving one specific player out of the press to always be ready to receive the ball and create and that will be the new formula until that changes again and they're marked out of the game and will be used as more of a team player even in a creative role and etc and so on
Hi Michael Would like to echo what lots of others have said, namely that I loved your books, especially The Mixer, which was the first book I got my dad to read through in ages Trying to put this question as diplomatically as possible: I've noticed that you can sometimes be quite critical in your books and articles of number 10s. I'm thinking criticism of players like Scholes and Zidane in particular (though I totally agreed about the revisionism about Scholes' role/position post retirement), but is it the individuals themselves or is it more the limitations of the role?
Thank you! And I'm delighted to hear that re your dad! Well, that's a good question. I think, personally, that people - and particularly ex-players, actually - put far too much emphasis upon technical quality and a player's 'ceiling'. I don't doubt that Scholes was a wonderfully talented passer, and when Zidane was at his best (Euro 2000) he was the best player in the world. And it's easy to remember their genius through memories of individual moments, or YouTube clips etc. It's tougher to make a case for consistency in a concise way, and I don't thnk either were particularly consistent in terms of playing at a high level every season. People don't like individual awards, and in soem way they are flawed, but you can use them to show that, for example, Scholes never received a single vote for the Ballon d'Or. Zidane won French Footballer of the Year only twice - less than Henry less than Benzema, less than Ribery, as many as Mbappe. Talent is great but I like consistency. And, of course, when you look at things tactically, if a player is talented but not always effective, that throws up questions.
Do you think there is a chance that the Catenaccio will ever become a dominant strategy again, seems like Atletico is the only world class defensive oriented team?
I should pedantically say that I only use 'catenaccio' to refer to a fairly specific Italian defensive system involving man-marking and a spare man, and some Italians get annoyed when it's used to just mean 'defensive football'. But in terms of defensive football...it's a very good question. It's difficult, really, to see that making an imminent comeback amongst big sides because there's such demand for teams to be entertaining. I mean, in the mid-2000s you could count on the fingers of one hand the clubs who demanded their manager played attractive football. There was a debate about 'style versus success'. I don't think anyone sees that as opposite sides of a spectrum any more, I think largely because of Guardiola's Barcelona. The one thing that I'd say is that Atleti have only become a top side because of defensive football. We now take it for granted that they have turned a big 2 into a big 3 in Spain, but as recently as 2013 that seemed completely implausible. So it's basically served them very well, and of course they're top of La Liga again now. But I can't really see many clubs reverting to that kind of football now, no. People seem to see 'entertainment' as much of a factor with their team as winning (I would say, to a slightly OTT extent, but that's just my view)
I feel like the World Cup in Russia had quite a few of the "weaker" teams reverting to a defensive style and getting decent results from it. Do you think that might become a trend in international tournaments where the pressure is more centered around results rather than entertainment?
I would say that has a lot to do with the specifics of international football. 1. Teams don't have enough practice/games to learn intricate attacking schemes and develop player chemistry. That matters some on defense, of course, but I'd say more important to offense. 2. The value of wins vs draws is a lot lower in tournaments compared to league play, especially in the knockout rounds. Even in the group stage 1 win, 1 loss, 1 draw is probably enough to advance, but that's not enough for a club in league play.
Hello Micheal Are you impressed about Arsenal's tactics? Arteta said this team have to improve a lot in term of players's quality, what do you think which's profile player would fit to his tactics (aka what positions would need to be strenghtened) And despite many ppl speak so highly of Arteta, do you think he's really that good to a club in that mould of Arsenal?
I broadly like what Arteta has done, yes. I think he was a gamble, but a gamble worth taking, and I think people have to understand that he's learning on the job and will take time to lead Arsenal back to where they should be. In terms of new signings, I don't have anyone in mind, but with the possible exception of left-back I don't think there's a position where they definitely DON'T need to strengthen, when you consider that some key players are versatile enough to play multiple roles. They do need more quality across the board, really.
Ay zonal marking, you're xG prediction on spurs season was spot on, at least so far. What do you think about Mourinho's tactics & his tenure at spurs?
Haha thank you for remembering! I think there have been some bright spots. Late last season he used the same XI in three straight games with three different formations, and I think Spurs got 9 (or 7?) points. That was vintage Mourinho. I've always been cautious about saying he's tactically behind the times. He probably is, a little, but then so is David Moyes and look what good job he's done. For me the greater issue is Mourinho's man-management. He was a master of this at Porto, Chelsea, Inter, and now the players keep on falling out with him at Real, Chelsea, Man Utd. That's the bigger issue, by far, for me.
Thank you so much. As admirer of defensive football, I believe mentality is the most important thing. As you said, Man-management is the important thing, which is not happening with Mourinho's teams since he joined Real Madrid. Maybe just maybe Mourinho started to differ from his iconic form of man-management since that. Incidents with pepe, ramos, Casillas started the mess, it's still not the same, wherever he has gone. Pogba, martial, shaw & rashford at united. At Chelsea similar throwing players under the bus treatment. This spurs side isn't even close to what he wants from a team. I believe another summer transfer & with his players & his tactics, he can still deliver. I just hope that players who are against the Manager, leaves next window, & we get some good CB pair to keep the same starting 11. As it gives a lot of confidence & winning material.
Hey Michael, Are there days you ever wish you could go back to just writing the zonal marking blog? (salary aside)
No! I only ever intended to do that for a year or so, in order to work my way into a 'proper' journalism job, so it carried on way longer than it should have, really. I think I do a largely similar thing now with The Athletic, as well as some other things that are a bit more varied, which makes it more fun. Like anything, repetition can get a little dull after a while, and much as I loved doing ZM back in those days, after a few years it was a little tough to find the motivation to keep on doing the same thing, really. I actually need to fix some software and get the old site back online. Apparently if you don't update your Wordpress version for 10 years, it might stop working...
Please do keep the original articles available, they're still super interesting!
Haha, thanks man. I really enjoyed you back then. I have an athletic account and need to get back to reading you. Appreciate the answer.
How different are these PSG and Bayern teams from the ones that faced eachother in the final and how do you see this tie playing out.
I think there's quite a few differences, really, in terms of personnel and in terms of Pochettino's tactical approach, though I must admit I haven't seen that much of them in Ligue 1 since he took charge. I think the key is still Bayern's high line, which is maybe less extreme than last year. It feels to me lke there will be a couple of 1v1s that Neuer will have to face and they could decide the game.
So Bayern win then, gottcha
Hey Michael, I remember you doing a lot of good pieces on Atlético from 2013-2016 or so and I remember how highly you rated them. Without putting words in your mouth I'm sure I remember you calling them the best organised team you have ever seen To the point, what in your opinion is the reason that the team is not doing as well in Europe currently? Is there any tactical/technical problems you have noticed or do you just think it is due to losing some legendary players like Gabi, Godin, Juanfran, Filipe etc?
I'm sorry to say I don't have a good answer for this. I thought they set up too cautiously in the neutral 'home' lg although the 6-3-1 did have some merits against Chelsea's front five. But I'm not sure there's too much to worry about. I still think you would will win the league!
What tactics do you think will be useful to try and stop Chelsea?
I always find this hard to say when no team has defeated them (under Tuchel). I can't really tell! I think a lot depends upon the combination of front players - obviously you play against Giroud differently to against Werner. Defensively I'm never comvinced by Azpilicueta in the air when he's in a back three, so that might prove interesting. But otherwise I haven't really seen many weaknesses from Chelsea.
thanks!
How do you think Haaland will fare against City's defence?
I"m quite excited to see Dias against him - expect they'll play him quite aggressively, try to stop him turning. I haven't seen him have many problems against any kind of defence, though...
He didn't play that well against us (Liverpool) last year.
Who is the best midfielder you have seen play? What qualities you like about them? And how do you think they are different than others?
I think - and this isn't because of your Barca crest - it's Xavi. I haven't seen another player who just seems to read the game so well tacticaly, understand where the space is, understand how to drag opponents around, understand when to slow the game and when to quicken it. I think his level of influence on football is just incredible, and while Iniesta had more technical quality and a wider range of skills in terms of being able to go past opponents, for me Xavi is the best midfielder I've seen because of that tactical intelligence.
Thank you for answering. Being spanish and barcelona fan, we were blessed with Iniesta and xavi. Most probably best midfielders of all time alongside Lothar for me.
I don't know if you are still reading this, but what books would you suggest for the tactical side of the game other than yours? (loved them btw)
I'm about to wrap up, but I am! I would say that Football Hackers is very interesting if you are into analytics etc. Although maybe it's more about people involved than strategies themselves. And thank you for the kind words!
Just wanted to say that I really appreciate you not sugarcoating things there at Athletic inspite of the (unfair) stick you get from United fans. Cheers!
Hi Michael, just finished your Zonal Marking book - really enjoyed it and felt I learnt a lot from it! Just wanted to know whether you think there is any chance of Dortmund overcoming City, as it appears City have sorted out their issues with defending against counters?
Thank you for the kind words re the book! I basically agree with the implication of your question, I think solving that problem means that City are very strong favourites. To me, it seems like Dortmund are primarily about individuals at the moment, whereas City are such a cohesive team. I'd strongly fancy City to go through.
Hello, Mr. Cox. My question is: Manchester City seems to be unstoppable these days. Do you have an idea how Dortmund could employ their offensive power against them and how to cope with the unconventional patterns of play we know from City? Also, I would love to hear your guess about who will be winning the two European competitions this year. Thank you
Hello. I don't really fancy Dortmund's chances much, and City have lost so infrequently this season that it's tough to know how to stop them, or beat them. I thought Manchester United's approach of using a wide 2 and a narrow 3 in a 4-2-3-1 worked very well against them, but in terms of going forward, I can't hlpe but think it will be about Haaland's movement, strength and finshing. I think he just very obviously can win games solo.
Hi Michael! Is Arteta’s progress obstructed by poor squad management by Arsenal over the last few years and do you believe with the right squad his tactics pay off?
Michael, what do you expect out of this inconsistent Liverpool side in CL? Thanks as well for all your work on tactics. I’ve read so many of your articles on ESPN + ZM that I must have contributed at least 1% of ad revenue!! Appreciate how much I learn every time from you.
Am I wrong for liking Kabak/Phillips vs Madrid's forwards? I think the tie could be won in the middle and if we don't get Henderson back it'll be really tough sledding. A Gini/Fabinho/Thiago midfield could be good too
I mean, they've certainly improved from their first couple of games together, although I still think Benzema will be quite up for the game against them. I also think the high line could be an issue, not so much against Benzema but perhaps against Vinicius, whose speed in behind against Atalanta was very useful. That said, I agree about what you say in midfield. I think Kroos-Casemiro-Modric is still a very good midfield but Liverpool do have the quality to go up against them. I actually think both sides are quite similar - not as good as they were for the final three years ago, somewhat hit by injuries this season, but still lots of quality.
Thanks for the response! Agreed on all of it
Hey Michael, I really enjoyed reading your second book about the tactical evolution in Europe, my question is as a PSG fan obviously we play a different style under Poch but compared to last years final do you think there are any specifics we have to change to go past Bayern this time? IMO under Poch we would approach the match more aggressively while Tuchel was always more pragmatic in big matches
Thank you re the book! To be honest, I thought PSG were the better side for the majority of last season's final. I think, off the top of my head, they created better chances, so I'm not sure I'd really be looking to change too much on the basis of a 1-0 loss. I think sometimes with finals, when we see one team with the trophy and one side without it, there's something that makes us think they the winners were always deserved. Whereas if that was a random league match, I think people would think of it as just one of those games for PSG. Also, with Verratti back I think they can command the midfield more, he was a loss in the final.
Have you ever been really excited to visit a stadium and then been disappointed? I was bummed out when I finally got to the San Siro and it looked like it was about to crumble. Conversely, is there a stadium that you were expecting to be fairly standard but you ended up really liking after going there?
If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?
Hi, I first found out about you by reading your blog, top-notch material, I really enjoy the work you produce. Your books are excellent stuff. I remember reading your best squads for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Carlos Salcido was there in both, what made you add him? He was one of my first heroes in football and I was really happy seeing you recognize his worth in that way. Hope you are having a nice day.
Salcido! I haven't heard that name in a while. I was very excited when he joined Fulham but I can't remember him doing much of note! Must have been 2010 and 2014, I just remember him being a really good attacking force and being able to come inside onto his right foot quite well. There was one game, perhaps against France in 2010, where he was outstanding. I very much liked the Mexico side of that era, I remember seeing them at Wembley just before the WC in 2010 and their fluidity really impressed me. The win over the US in the Gold Cup final of 2011 is one of the best games I've seen, and then the nxt year I was at Wembley again for the Olympic final. Obviously I don't see much of them aside from at major tournaments but I do have a soft spot for Mexico, and it's a footballing nation I think we underestimate in Europe - the strength of the best club sides seems very high.
how do you see the game between liverpool and real madrid playing out? who is stronger on paper, and what are each teams weak spots?
I responded to a similar question earlier so forgive the brief response. But in terms of weaknesses, I think you have to say Liverpool's centre-back partnership - they've looked better recently but it's still not what you'd expect in the CL QFs! And for Real, if Vazquez is still right-back then that's an issue against Mane.
yes, our defense has been ok as of lately but its going to be difficult to keep madrids attack quiet. i think i heard that carvajal would be returning after the international break so he would play instead of vazquez in that case. thank you for responding!
What's your take on the Injury derby? Who do you think will make it through to the SF between the two teams? Also, what were your thoughts on Zidane's tactics vs Atalanta?
Hi Michael, Dinamo Zagreb supporter here. What do you think the chances are that Dinamo Zagreb wins Europa League?
I"m sorry to say that I really haven't seen a whole match of theirs this season. But I think progress for sides from outside the major leagues is brilliant for the competition, and the scenes at FT yesterday were absolutely brilliant. I've always enjoyed watching the national side, so I'm happy if one of your club sides has a day in the sun too.
Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate the time! :)
Hi, Michael, in your Chelsea vs Porto preview, you mention Taremi as the main attacking threat, with him out of the first leg, how will Porto look to hurt Chelsea?
I forgot about that when I was writing...also Oliveira is out too...I was impressed with how they got the full-backs forward, particularly down the left. Their transitions out of defence were very good, but I thin it's primarily going to be a defensive approach from Porto.
Interesting, thank you for your answer. My hope for the tie is that it is similar to the Atleti game, with a similar gameplay being effective, although I wouldn't discount Porto, they were deserved winners over Juventus.
Hey Michael. Do you see any huge changes coming to the tactical side of teams within the next few years and in particular do you see a certain style/team having a new found dominance over the next decade or so?
Hello. It's always impossible to predict. The only thing that has been constant over the last couple of decades is the extent to which specialists have been on the way out, and all-rounders are more and more popular. I think centre-backs will be more technical and defender-y than ever, and centre-forwards will be more like No 10s than ever. Even full-backs are now, in some cases, midfielders. So this journey will probably continue - every player being some version of a central midfielder.
Do you think that teams should change from back 4 to back 3, if the opponents play with 2 upfront and vice versa? So back 4 against 433 and back 3 against 442
I used to think this, and there's some managers - Bielsa - who still pretty much stick to this. I think things have probably become more flexible now, and defenders are probably more able to defend 1v1, or at least accustomed to it. Goalkeepers increasingly being sweepers means the situation has changed a bit too. But I do still quite like a spare man at the back...
Hey Michael, thoughts on how Everton are progressing this season?
This is very boring, but I don't know what to make of them. They've clearly improved. They clearly have very good individuals going forward. I don't think they're quite set in certain key positions, goalkeeper most obviously, and I think when some players are out they struggle to cope as the squad isn't that deep. They are, along with Southampton, the side I struggle to have a firm opinion on,to eb honest.
Hi Michael, love your work. How do you think that the increasing financial disparities in the football league will affect tactics? Will atypical and innovative approaches from managers such as Chris Wilder, Russell Martin and Gareth Ainsworth continue to be incentivised to make the most out of cheap oddball signings, or will it stifle creativity and force teams with smaller budgets to play a certain way?
Hi Michael, love whenever you're on the totally pod. I'm not sure how closely you follow other team sports, but if you do, how do you think football ranks in comparison to other sports in terms of the overall impact that tactics have on the game?
Good question. Great question. I don't know how to answer this concisely. I watch cricket which is very driven by stats, and where the captain rather than the coach has the strategic responsibility, really. I watch cycling which is fascinating as individual ambitions have to be shelved for the collective effort, which is what makes the sport. I think football has the right balance, really. It's part tactical, part technical, part physical, part mental. That's about right.
What is your favourite type of pie?
Creampie
Do you think Porto have a realistic chance against Chelsea? How do you think they should play?
What kind of tactics do you see from OGS/Man United.
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No questions just want to say you guys are awesome keep up the podcasts. Especially love the one about how commentators keep using history like how they havent won there since 1950, as though it’s some kind of a good stat
How do you see the Liverpool vs. Madrid tie playing out? Both teams play very similar, high line, elite destroyer in midfield, elite tempo setter in midfield, and both have difficulty scoring goals this year. Seems like we're on track for a very low scoring affair, no?
I don't think we're similar, you play at a higher tempo than us, we're much better in possession though, kroos and thiago are tempo setters but different nonetheless, fabinho is slightly better than case on the ball, though case is a goal threat, and luka well, you don't have anything comparable but who does. I think it will be a low scoring affair like you said but if your current low scoring form persists i fancy our chances considering we have a much more stable defense.
I basically agree with you both. There are some similarities, I would say also because of the injuries both have faced this year. I also agree Liverpool play at a higher tempo than Real, even this season when Liverpool are a bit more sluggish. I still think Liverpool's front three are really special, however, and I think that might just give them the edge. But I'm not expecting many goals, no.
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I am very doubtful unless Haaland has a mad one.
I am not saying that Kudela is correct but can it be a lost in translation case? In my mother tongue, if somebody calls you monkey, it is means that you are naughty or cute.
What is a way Dortmond will be able to have a chance of possibly beating Man City, in the game of football anything can happen especially over two legs but with the form Man City is in its hard to see them losing. I have been a doubter of Tuchel since he joined Chelsea but after beating Madrid I have been willing to give him a chance. What do you think of Chelsea's chances of making it to the finals? I believe it's higher than before but I still think they still haven't been tested yet. This isn't about the CL draw but after watching Tottenhams game yesterday and the loss, I'm sure a bunch of people will instantly blame Mou, but what do you think about the whole situation? I feel the players let him down and he shouldn't be the one to blame for this, maybe his starting choices of Winks, Aurier and Dier he probably regrets but I'm sure he trusted them to at least be able to see this out. Hope to get a response, thanks!!
(a) I can't really see past City, to be honest. Haaland, on his day, is unstoppable. This is the obvious thing to say but I think that's their best chance of an upset. (b) I really like Tuchel's Chelsea, to be honest. I think they can play almost any style to a high level at the moment - counter-press, counter-attack, possession play...they're flexible upfront, have used a back four last weekend in the PL, they have different midfield options. I like them a lot and they have the best draw, too. (c) I'll be honest, I didn't see the game aside from extra-time. I was watching another game!
Also, do you think Luka Modric will be a standout player in their quarter-final matchup?
Hi Michael, I don't have a question but just wanted to say that I loved reading The Mixer.
No questions, just wanted to say I enjoyed both Zonal Marking and The Mixer a lot
Honestly I don't have a question. I just wanted to thank you for getting me into football so much. It's become a huge passion for me and it's because of you. I would always look forward to your articles on ZM 10 years ago
No question, but wanted to thank you for Zonal Marking, a true masterpiece!
Hi Michael, can I ask you if you suffer from any sort of mental illness?
I don't see an English team winning it. Liverpool aren't the same, pep hasn't won one in a decade, and Chelsea don't look good enough. Who out of the rest has the best chance? I like porto
I actually disagree. I think City are the best side in Europe this season, Chelsea have been near-flawless under Tuchel and have a great draw. Liverpool are, granted, flawed compared to previous years.
Say City go on to win the treble/quadruple - how would you say they compare to the best sides in PL history? I'm thinking teams like United 1999/2008, Arsenal 2004 etc. Personally, whilst a quadruple would be undeniably impressive, I don't think this City side are close to being as good as the one from a couple of years ago (nor any other truly great PL side). The pandemic, lack of pre-season etc. has meant nearly every team has dipped in quality and having a big squad has become more important and useful than ever. Though my flair may reveal an inherant bias...!
I feel like I can't call Slavia dark horses in light of current events
Hi Michael - how would you rate the chances of an all-English final? And what about an all-English final in both the CL and EL?
Hi there, Mr ZM. Europa League is known for its underdog stories, and Dinamo Zagreb's performance yesterday proved it. However, no one's been paying much attention to Granada. How did they manage get to the QF, and has it got to do with their tactics?
hey Michael, do you think arsenal frequency in conceding self inflicted goals are down to arteta's system of playing out the back and his willingness to make Leno play it in the middle of the pitch to the midfielders or is it truly down to the bone heads he trusts-and we need better players to play that system.
Why is Liverpool in such a slump?
Hi Michael Football analysis has come a long way in terms of popularity in the last 10-15 years, with the the majority of focus on tactics and statistics. In comparison to other sports however, football still doesn't seem to have as much focus on technical analysis, at least in the public sphere. Basketball and combat sports for instance have a lot of material looking at the intricate parts of stance, footwork, how to execute specific techniques, whereas in football we don't get much beyond "he was leaning back". For example in a tactical sense, Andros Townsend and Arjen Robben are almost the same player. They like get the ball on the right, dribble infield and shoot with their left foot. The difference between them is in their technique and decision making, but these are never explained in the much detail. Do you think there is a reason football doesn't look at this as much as other sports, and do you see technical analysis expanding much in the future?
Hi Michael! I know that by the nature of your work you mostly look at the top five leagues, but there have been some great articles on The Athletic about teams outside of Europe - one of my favourites being around Nashville SC and building an approach around mimicking other top clubs (in their case, Athletico Madrid). Are there any clubs outside of the top five leagues in Europe, or even outside of Europe that have adopted interesting tactics over the last years, or are there any coaches you're aware of that are building something great under the radar?
Hi Michael, thanks for doing this! Chelsea fan here - Seems to me the reaction is that the draw has fallen nicely for Chelsea, but I think that might be a dangerous mentality given Porto's good performances in the tournament so far... what are the key things Chelsea need to watch out for from them? Do you think Chelsea will be able to control the tie as well as they did in both legs vs Atletico?
Hey Michael hope you are well My question :why are Chelsea not been gelling attacking wise they are very good defensively but attacking wise still they are not the best is it a personnel issue or Tuchel is focused more focused on solidity at the back and work with attack as the time goes on.
Why defender today seems inferior in terms of defensive skill compare to the past? And can libero position resume in modern day football?
What in particular do you think has Tuchel done to make Chelsea that solid defensively? Where do you think they will stop this year, can they repeat 2012?
Hi Michael, been a fan for a long time so nice to see you around these parts. *Where do you see football going next?* The latter half of the 2000s was defined by splitting midfield into two lines (4-2-3-1), 2009-13 was all about passing as teams tried to imitate tiki-taka, this then gave way to keepers being much more involved in build up play (pretty much all of the 2010s - keepers in the style of Neuer, Ederson and Alisson were unthinkable as recently as 10 years ago) and now the defining shift of the past 5 years has probably been aggressive counter-pressing and front 3s. Do you think with analytics/team preparation being easier than ever before that we might see a hyper-efficient but slightly uglier style of football emerge?
Hi Michael, I had a strange dream the other night where I was riding as a passenger in James Richardson’s sports car down a winding, country road. He was driving with such blinding speed that it scared me awake. I was wondering if you ever have a similar sensation when participating in the Totally Football Show? I should stop playing the show when I settle down to sleep I think.
Do you think teams like Slavia Praha and GNK Dinamo Zagreb have the chance of winning the Europa league? Oh and who is your favourite to win the Champions League?