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Individual and team analysis has been a fundamental part of soccer coaching for decades. In
recent years, teams have introduced technology to match analysis to aid this, with many top
clubs employing tactical analysts to support coaches.
While human input is vital, their analysis is time consuming, expensive, and prone to human
error and bias. The future of tactical analysis is likely to be in AI.
Clubs Are Behind the Game on AI
Despite the money available at the top end of the game, major soccer clubs have only
recently begun to adopt AI. IFK Gothenburg and Barcelona are examples of top European
clubs that have turned to AI for deeper insights into analysis and player development
opportunities. But others in the sporting industry were quicker to embrace the advantages of
the digital revolution.
Many sports betting companies have already integrated AI and machine learning into their
business models. These technologies are not relied on entirely to assess the likely outcomes
of games, but they have been incorporated into existing systems to enhance them. AI is also a
key part of in-play betting that enables bookies to react to changing circumstances and offers
a range of markets for punters who like to
bet on the latest odds.
How Does AI Help Soccer Managers?
AI and machine learning use algorithms to notice patterns in the data it's given. For soccer,
this means it can develop a statistical understanding of player behavior. Traditionally, in
training and game situations, managers were required to view, assess and analyze players’
movements manually.
Monitoring every player was an impossible task, made slightly more effective by having a
team of coaches. Video analysis was introduced to allow the coaching staff to review
performance but is painstakingly labor-intensive.
Similarly, statistical analysis has been available to soccer coaches for years, but there's only
so much statisticians can get out of basic data. For example, it’s all well and good knowing
which player covered the most yards or made the most sprints, but coaches need to
understand the effectiveness of their output. AI can help analyze whether these efforts were
in line with their tactical strategy, if they contributed to a positive outcome, or whether they
reveal specific correlations that humans would struggle to find.
Automated Analysis Allows Coaches to Get on with Coaching
While AI looks set to be the future of tactical and
performance analysis in soccer, it will not
replace the need for coaches. Rather it will provide automatic analysis and insights which can
enable coaches to get on with what they do best – coaching.
Detailed information and insights into individual and team performances will mean managers
and coaches no longer need to spend hours studying videos. Instead, they can use AI analysis
along with their live assessments to
create effective coaching strategies that give them a
competitive edge.
What Does the Future Hold for AI in Soccer
In the future, it’s predicted that AI will be able to quickly identify the strengths and
weaknesses of individual players at particular times of the game. Managers will also be able
to overlay during play to predict the possible outcomes of a substitution or tactical change
more accurately.
Ultimately, though, decisions will always remain with the manager. AI will provide an instant
judgment on likely outcomes, but sport simply doesn't follow logic and manager’s decisions
will continue to be a driving factor in games.