Zonal Marking

From Ajax to Zidane, the Making of Modern Soccer

By: Michael W. Cox

Narrated by: Colin Mace

Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A mazy dribble through the recent history of European soccer, showing how shifting styles and influence have shaped the game.

In the early 1990s, the Dutch footballing philosophy was worshiped across the continent. Then the baton passed to the Italians, who clearly boasted Europe's strongest league. But when France started winning everything at international level its national academy became the template for others, until suddenly, almost out of nowhere, Europe's most revered player and manager both hailed from Portugal. Next, Barcelona and Spain won everything during a very obvious four-year period of dominance, before tiki-taka's decline meant Bayern and Germany took control. Finally, Europe's most successful coaches found themselves competing in England, introducing a brilliant cacophony of styles to the Premier League.

Zonal Marking is a glorious travelogue through soccer's triumphant styles and characters.

©2019 Michael Cox (P)2019 Hachette Audio

brilliant knowledge on football history

I learned so much about the best teams in history. very detailed history about tactics and coaches. Especially the bring-ups of the best footballers in history.

Very well written and engaging!

I loved the book as it greatly explained the different styles in European football. There were lots of great side stories and analogies that really brought out the ideas presented in the book.

Wonderful narration of European football!

What a fantastically well researched tale of the history of European football! Loved the inter weaving of history into the tale and how Cox uses quotes of contemporaneous players coaches and journalists to embellish the story.
However, I do believe that some stories are missing from this narration. For example, the story of the "losers" - I think there are lessons that can be learned from national teams that did not do as well as expected. Belgium being a great example (although Cox did briefly touch upon another 'always the brideamaid' nation - England). The audiobook narrator was brilliant as well!

Perfect for any fan

Great book to learn more about the game we all know and love! Must read!

Good wonky stuff

Come for the back pass and goalie discussion, stay for the breakdown of free eights and gegenpressing

really really good.

great interesting succinct. brings modern football tactic up to date with interesting reference to the past

For soccer nerds.

It was a fantastic football tactic history, with stories and passages well woven together. Some of it did become repetitive as the periods somewhat overlapped but again the author did a nice job of bringing thi gs full circle.

The history of football of the past 30 years

This is a very good analysis of the critical components of football in the past 30 years and what made them last. The book details how each phase transitions to the next and how it has influenced the modern game. Is an easy read for anyone who enjoys the game of football.

Great!

Great read. After, I bought the hard-copy to have on hand to take notes and look back on. I got it for 2 other people as well. In all, if you are committed, listen to it first here, and then buy the hard-copy.

Arsenal fans POV

Author omits Alex Ferguson, his assistant managers like Kidd, Quieroz, McClaren et al. from the discussion. I think he writes more about Southgate than Ferguson.