Author(s): CASTELLANOS, A.M., PORTILLO, C., COTERÓN, J., MON-LÓPEZ, D., MARQUINA NIETO, M., GARCÍA ALIAGA, A., REFOYO ROMÁN, I., MURIARTE SOLANA, D., Institution: UNIVERSIDAD ALFONSO X EL SABIO , Country: SPAIN, Abstract-ID: 2510

INTRODUCTION:
The role of the football-focused tactical analyst is a work area that has been in high demand in recent years (1). Key skills such as a broad knowledge of the game, being an expert in the interpretation of the opponents and ones own play, as well as strong observational skills are required (2). However, there is limited scientific information to be found on the processes of analysis and how they have incorporated eminently objective data in a profession with such an important subjective component. The study aims to analyse the resources used by analysts in their daily performance, as well as their relationship with data within the analysis process.
METHODS:
The data collection was carried out employing semi-structured interviews, which were specifically designed for this field, being checked by 4 experts, and passing a pilot interview, being modified according to the feedback received. The inclusion criteria determined were (i) Spanish speakers and (ii) experience in first divisions or national teams. A total of 18 analysts participated in the study; to contact them, we used a first contact through social networks (LinkedIn, Whatsapp, Twitter,...) and then a snowball sampling, recommending colleagues who met these criteria. The interviews were conducted by video call, where the analysts allowed to record the content and its subsequent analysis. The content analysis was carried out by two researchers, triangulating the results with a third qualitative researcher.
RESULTS:
The analysts subjective perception of the opposing team is the most reliable information for them, alluding to their experience to detect important aspects of them. The objective data can offer them a different perspective to the conclusion reached by them, or contrast their original idea, being an element of secondary consultation complained by the lack of general context. This may contrast with a social moment in performance analysis where it may seem that data is the most important factor in explaining performance. Likewise, there are minimal skills in video editing software, written reporting, and data provider consultation. They report no use of predictive game algorithms.
CONCLUSION:
Tactical analysts rely more on their knowledge of game interpretation to develop their work, although they accept and value positively the use of the data, they do not believe it is blindly reliable due to the lack of context in which it is given.

1. Francis JW, Kyte J, Bateman M. The role of the analyst: comparative analysis of applied performance analyst job advertisements in the UK and Ireland (2021-2022). Int J Perform Anal Sport [Internet]. 2023;00(00):1–30. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2023.2299178
2. Aguado-Méndez RD, González-Jurado JA, Reina-Gómez Á, Otero-Saborido FM. Perceptions of football analysts goal-scoring opportunity predictions: A qualitative case study. Front Psychol. 2021;12.