The Duality of Passion and Profession: How Analysts Navigate Football Viewing

For professionals immersed in the world of football, watching matches can often feel more like a job than a pastime. These individuals, from data analysts to former players turned pundits, grapple with the duality of their passion for the game and their professional responsibilities, often blurring the lines between enjoyment and analysis. Hesham Abozekry, director of data operations at Hudl and co-founder of StatsBomb, shares a unique perspective on this challenge. "I try not to think about work while watching for fun," he admits, though he acknowledges that controversial moments during a match can spark concerns about data interpretation. His experience highlights the complex relationship that many analysts have with football viewing, where every goal and assist can be scrutinized through a professional lens. Carlon Carpenter, head video analyst at Houston Dynamo, echoes Abozekry's sentiments about the demands of the profession. "The amount of work that goes into getting a full-picture account of what is happening can be quite draining." Yet for Carpenter, watching football casually is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the spectacle without the weight of professional obligations weighing him down. Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and a leading pundit, also navigates this balance. He admits that while he is analyzing matches "80 percent of the time," he occasionally allows himself to watch without the analytical mindset. This shift typically happens after a demanding week, illustrating the toll constant analysis can take on even the most seasoned professionals. Contrasting with Abozekry and Carpenter's experiences, Aurel Nazmiu, a senior data scientist at Twenty First Group, finds joy in watching matches with less stress. He embraces the emotional aspect of the game, stepping away from the objectivity often required in his work. Nazmiu's role involves creating a match recommendation model to help fans decide which games are worth their time, blending professional insights with a fan’s enthusiasm. The volume of matches watched each week varies significantly among professionals. For instance, Ali Elfakharany, another StatsBomb co-founder, averages five games weekly, while Jimmy Enani, a first-team performance analyst intern at AFC Wimbledon, may watch up to 15 matches, depending on work commitments. Their different roles dictate not only how many matches they view but also the context in which they watch them. While watching for work, professionals often adopt a focused approach, eschewing distractions. For example, when watching live games from a stadium, Carpenter utilizes noise-cancelling headphones to maintain concentration amidst the crowd's din. This preparation is crucial; analysts set up technology to sync event and tracking data with their video feeds before kick-off, ensuring they can capture every detail. The analytical lens through which these professionals view matches is honed by their respective roles. Carpenter focuses on team performance, looking for aspects that can be improved. In contrast, Enani studies opposing teams to gather ideas from various coaching philosophies. Each analyst’s focus shifts depending on the match-up, with some honing in on specific tactical elements or player responsibilities. As they watch, professionals often take notes or clip video for later analysis. Abozekry thinks about data quality and ambiguous situations that may affect data collection, while others, like Nazmiu, enjoy observing individual player movements to improve their personal skills on the pitch. The varied approaches to viewing football reveal a deeper understanding of the game that can enrich not only the professionals’ own knowledge but also that of fans. Carragher encourages viewers to contemplate tactical decisions and player fatigue, while Carpenter suggests focusing on specific aspects of play to develop a greater appreciation for the game. In an era where data and analytics dominate the narrative around football, it’s essential to remember that the love for the game transcends statistics. Watching football is not just about understanding formations or expected goals; it’s about the emotional connection and the stories that unfold on the pitch. Whether through the lens of a data analyst or a passionate fan, each viewing experience contributes to the rich tapestry of football culture, reminding us that there is indeed more than one way to watch the beautiful game.