Antonio Vacca can remember the moment well. In truth, the Italian is unlikely to forget it anytime soon, given he not only gets to see his “little theory put into practice” every time he watches Brighton & Hove Albion play on television, but he also has Roberto De Zerbi’s initials tattooed on him.
Coaches have not always valued, or even tolerated, performance analysis. In August 2005, Simon Wilson, an analyst at Southampton, was giving a pre-match briefing ahead of their Championship game away to Luton Town.
Phil Martelli eases back into his chair and sighs. He has been scrolling through his phone, reading text messages that span a two-year window. It is a one-sided conversation, all black and white from the sender, no blue responses from him.
