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Premier League managers 'could use AI to make subs' as clubs turn to technology
Premier League clubs are looking at innovative ways to gain an edge over one another.
Technology experts believe artificial intelligence (AI) could soon be advising top-level managers on substitutions, which may close the gap between relegation-battling bosses and Premier League heavyweights such as Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.
Having one of the world's finest managers is naturally viewed as a major advantage in football's current climate. The likes of Guardiola at Manchester City or Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool have each overseen hugely successful periods due to their tactical know-how and leadership skills.
Technology could help to close the gap between top bosses and their challengers, however. Experts in the field now claim that AI could be integrated to the extent that managers are instructed when to make changes, and who to bring on.
Former AS Monaco director of performance James Bunce told The Daily Mail: "I am sure it will get to the point where AI can use physical and technical data to guide coaches that they should swap one player for another as they are now becoming statistically less impactful."
Aldo Comi, chief executive of analytics company Soccerment, took the concept even further by suggesting that each manager could be backed up by a virtual, AI-powered assistant.
"I envisage an assistant coach having a tablet and a virtual assistant providing suggestions on what to do and what to change if things are not going according to plan," he said.
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"The assistant coach will filter the information and report his own suggestions to the manager. At some point we will achieve the level at which AI can suggest some cool ideas to the assistant manager. We might achieve these levels in the next five years."
Manchester United are already looking into the advantages they can gain from harnessing AI by joining forces with Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport. Advanced technology has already revitalised the world of football transfers, with Brighton and Brentford two pioneers of the futuristic approach.
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Using data to unearth hidden talent in far-flung places, Brighton have turned huge profits on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister in recent years.
Brentford's balance sheet has also benefited from data-driven recruitment, and they are expected to make millions through the sale of Ivan Toney this summer, with a number of top Premier League clubs interested.