Football & Data Analytics: The Importance of How Before What
The path to winning is all about the right approach—whether you're kicking a ball or doing data analysis
In 2023, Mohun Bagan Super Giants (then ATK Mohun Bagan) won the Indian Super League. I remember Devrup Da (currently a football analyst at Mohammedan Sporting) commenting: “The way they played is just horrible. Their team is too strong for a closed league like the Indian Super League. If this is how they continue to play, it will be a disaster in the AFC Cup.”
And as it turned out, that’s exactly what happened. They finished third in a comparatively ‘easier’ group.
In football, as in Data Analytics, getting the "how" right becomes crucial for long-term progress. I’ve come to appreciate this more than immediate success or trophies. Most of the time, if the "how" is sorted, success generally follows—sooner or later.
The "How" in Football: A Few Examples
Let's take a look at some recent examples of how the "how" makes all the difference in football:
1. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool
When Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015, within a month, the way the team played football started to evolve. They were far from perfect, but the "how" was heading in the right direction. In less than 45 days, he managed to beat Manchester City 4-1 away. The incremental progress continued, and ultimately, Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League first, followed by the English Premier League after almost 30 years.
2. Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan
When Inzaghi took over Inter Milan, he inherited a squad that was arguably weaker than before. But he got the team nailing "how to play from the back" almost from the first day. This approach paid off: they reached the final of the UEFA Champions League and won the Italian Serie A.
3. Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United
On the other hand, Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United was an example of a team that struggled to get the "how" right, despite winning the FA Cup in 2023. The lack of consistent progress and alignment with a clear playing style led to his sacking in October 2024, following a string of poor results.
The Importance of "How" in Data Analytics
In Data Analytics, the way you approach a problem is often more important than the final outcome. From my semi-vantage point, how you break down a broader problem and approach its solution is much more crucial than just solving it. Solving a problem without fully understanding the "how" might yield short-term results, but without the right foundation, long-term success is unlikely.
Just like in football, the key to success in analytics lies in a well-defined "how."
The Role of the Manager and Stakeholders
In both football and analytics, the key drivers of success are the managers (or team leaders). They need to have a clear vision for how the problem or challenge should be tackled. In football, this translates to the team's playing style, while in analytics, it’s the approach to solving the problem.
But it’s not just about the managers. Stakeholders also play a critical role. In football, stakeholders include the fans and board members. They must appreciate the "how" and remain patient even when the results (the "what") don’t show up immediately.
Similarly, in the corporate world, stakeholders like CXOs must recognize the value that analytics brings. There will be times when the team doesn’t directly solve the problem, especially given the often vague nature of business problems. But are they getting closer? Are they uncovering meaningful insights? Are they asking the right questions that the CXOs couldn’t think of? These are all crucial metrics of progress.
Ultimately, both in football and in analytics, the real work lies in the "how." The results will follow, but only if we stay committed to the right approach, even in the face of uncertainty or short-term challenges. And in the end, that’s what brings sustainable success.
Share this if you think the 'how' is just as important as the 'what'.