The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary

The thrilling soccer match between Inter and Barcelona sparked exciting discussions about tactics and player performances. Insights into Hansi Flick's Barcelona and the tactical genius of a standout playmaker captivated listeners. The speakers analyzed Inter's defensive strategies and the intense physicality of the game. They delved into Barcelona's future team composition amid financial challenges, shedding light on the critical roles of emerging talents. Overall, it was a captivating exploration of soccer’s evolving dynamics.

We take a mailbag question on the math of goal difference, projecting points from goals, and what it tells us about the game of soccer.This one is for the nerds. Support the show

Four big teams, two big games, Arsenal vs PSG, Barcelona vs Inter, it's a soccer analytics podcast. Support the show

Dan Davies, author of The Unaccountability Machine, dives into the fascinating intersections of cybernetics, economics, and football. He explains how complex systems and accountability shape the sport and capitalism alike. The conversation highlights systemic issues in European football, using a metaphor involving squirrels to discuss accountability failures. Davies also tackles the challenge of translating elite football insights into coaching practices and unpacks the intricacies of club ownership, debt, and investment dynamics in the football industry.

We break down Arsenal's big win, Real Madrid's toothlessness, Inter's away result, and why we continue to see PSG and Barcelona as the best remaining teams in the tournament, probably the best teams in the entire world. And that brings us to Lamine Yamal, who is good.Support the show

No football just literature and history.A Drop of Corruption: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735559/a-drop-of-corruption-by-robert-jackson-bennett/Support the show

Tactics Tom is in charge for England the results were the same and the football was not scintillating but it was tactically distinct and interesting to discuss. So we had Grace Robertson of graceonfootball.com join us to discuss it. Support the show

In this engaging discussion, Adam Crafton, an Athletic journalist specializing in Manchester United, dives deep into the ongoing changes at the club since Jim Ratcliffe's takeover. He reveals the impact of financial struggles and recent layoffs on Manchester United's operations. Adam also explores the complex intersection of politics and soccer, particularly around the upcoming World Cup, discussing visa challenges and the broader implications for U.S. soccer in a rapidly shifting political landscape.

We are joined by financial journalist (and soccer and cycling fan) Ben Walsh to learn about the great sport of road racing, the background of INEOS as a sports ownership group, and how fans of cycling were well ahead of the curve on what to expect from Ratcliffe at Manchester United. Check out Ben's newsletter, The Bender: https://bendwalsh.substack.com/Support the show

Big matches in the Serie A title race get their due and then we talk about the team with the best underlying numbers in the Premier League recently, which as you surely all know is Crystal Palace.Palace:  https://bsky.app/profile/scott.cannonstats.com/post/3ljdm73v3wn2oOvalle: https://bsky.app/profile/lawsonsv.bsky.social/post/3ljjheamocs26Support the show