Speaking on beIN Sports, France manager Didier Deschamps spoke about the use of data, and the continued importance of a human element when using it.
Deschamps said, “Today we’re highlighting that Toulouse got promoted to Ligue 1 because of their data choices. Is it not thanks to Philippe Montanier, did you control the players with a joystick? But then you take another team that has done the same thing – Nancy. Where are they?”
He continued, “Isn’t this the same data, or is it that it isn’t the same person behind the computer? Today, data is good. It has a big role to play. I use it but I only use certain elements. We have to remember that it isn’t a video game. Success is also about player intelligence, even more so at the highest level. It’s his feeling about when to make a pass, shoot, or dribble. You can draw out all of these tactical plans for example, but at any moment, talent makes the difference.”
