Does your tactic not work? Is Football Manager 2021’s match engine so different you don’t understand it? Is FM xG just interesting to you? That’s good! Because I have managed to get one of the key developers of the xG model in Football Manager on for an interview! He is an employee of a company called SciSports, which also contributes to data analysis in the real world of football, not just Football Manager. Jan was great to talk to, and offers a lot to think about with how data and tactics will develop in FM for years to come.
The introduction of expected goals is the first step in FM21 to get the Football Manager world into the world of analytics. It’s essentially dipping their toe in the water. The underlying analytics are in the game already as well, like dribbles per minute and key passes, and SciSports is here for the long haul. This interview serves as a window into how Football Manager works, how good the match engine really is, why your tactic doesn’t work and ALSO as a window into the future of FM’s development. That last part I didn’t see coming before.
Much Love,
FM Senpai
