About this episode
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part on data in football, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration into how data analytics transformed modern football. This episode delves into Liverpool's remarkable journey using data and how it helped them to win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. We take a look at the story behind key figures like Ian Graham and Michael Edwards, exploring their early skepticism, the challenges they faced, and the groundbreaking decisions that followed. Discover how Liverpool's recruitment strategy evolved with data, featuring key transfers such as Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson. Discover the tensions and synergies between data-driven decisions and traditional football instincts that reshaped Liverpool and influenced their remarkable success under Jürgen Klopp. 00:44 The Role of Data in Football 02:00 Key Figures: Ian Graham and Michael Edwards 03:17 Michael Edwards' Journey 07:18 Early Skepticism and Challenges 12:39 Liverpool's Data Revolution 14:54 Transfer Market Strategies 18:35 Cultural Clashes and Successes 26:24 Ian Graham's Role in Liverpool's Data Revolution 27:42 The Transfer Committee's Struggles and Criticisms 30:23 Jurgen Klopp's Introduction to Data Analytics 35:49 The Impact of Data on Key Signings 42:12 The Evolution and Challenges of Data-Driven Decisions 44:43 The Future of Data in Football 51:47 Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.