Here's a question I've always wanted to ask... given the similarity of defensive set ups between Inter then and SPL teams now, would Stein's tactics in the game be effective if applied today? Specifically, at half time he instructed his players to start teeing up shots outside the box and this won us the game. It wasn't pot shots from midfield though, it was cut backs to Gemmill etc to run on to, with a sight of goal. See no reason why this also wouldn't work nowadays...? Splendid show btw so grateful for you guys! Merry Christmas and happy new year!!
Fantastic guys- really enjoyable perspective- as someone has said below - repeating this for the Seville match would be fascinating. Thanks for the hard work that went into this
Hey guys, thanks a lot for this, was a great listen.
One question I had when seeing the xG numbers: outside of the stat padding due to the high volume of long shots, is there any argument for suggesting that xG models should be different throughout history to adapt to football’s evolution?
If overall finishing levels are higher today for example (just a hypothesis) then using the same xG model to understand past football games could skew the statistics.
This idea comes mainly from the contrast between high xG and low goals in the game, whereas in today’s champions league as we know anything beyond 3 xG can be a 6-7 goal game.
Any other evidence out there on the internet to compare with? Or are you the only people crazy enough to analyse these kinds of games with the analytic lens? 😂
Hello Gabriel - that is a great question and you raise a very important issue. I would not necessarily characterize my answer as they 'should' be different, but do agree it is reasonable to consider various factors when comparing eras of the game and how context impacts model assumptions, etc. For example, the ball itself has undergone various versions. Substitution rules and cultural norms changed dramatically over time, etc.
Personally, I am a big fan of measuring and comparing players and teams relative to their own eras/peer groups when possible. I think it is certainly plausible that an xG model built with late 1960's factors in mind could be different than contemporary versions, and at least suggest different norms as to what would be "expected."
Great podcast, really brings home how innovative the team were. A counter-pressing, suffocating performance with Murdoch and Auld as proto Iniesta and Xavi partnership.
Given how much talent Central Scotland continues to produce, how long before another team takes that talent, combines it with elite management, a few foreign signings and innovative tactics and wins the big cup again?
Good conversation and analysis both of you. No doubt Murdoch was MOTM but it’s crazy to hear and see the overwhelming statistics in favour of Celtic’s attacking performance.
Also, don’t think you should do the same with Milan but a podcast discussing the UEFA Cup Final in Seville may be interesting, lots of subscribers with real (painful) memories of it.
RIP MOTM John Clark HH
Fabulous, I love this podcast
Well done lads, really top stuff
Here's a question I've always wanted to ask... given the similarity of defensive set ups between Inter then and SPL teams now, would Stein's tactics in the game be effective if applied today? Specifically, at half time he instructed his players to start teeing up shots outside the box and this won us the game. It wasn't pot shots from midfield though, it was cut backs to Gemmill etc to run on to, with a sight of goal. See no reason why this also wouldn't work nowadays...? Splendid show btw so grateful for you guys! Merry Christmas and happy new year!!
Great chat on John Clark. My granda ever the counterpoint, used to say 'John Clark never got the credit he deserved, he made McNeill look good'.
Fantastic guys- really enjoyable perspective- as someone has said below - repeating this for the Seville match would be fascinating. Thanks for the hard work that went into this
Hey guys, thanks a lot for this, was a great listen.
One question I had when seeing the xG numbers: outside of the stat padding due to the high volume of long shots, is there any argument for suggesting that xG models should be different throughout history to adapt to football’s evolution?
If overall finishing levels are higher today for example (just a hypothesis) then using the same xG model to understand past football games could skew the statistics.
This idea comes mainly from the contrast between high xG and low goals in the game, whereas in today’s champions league as we know anything beyond 3 xG can be a 6-7 goal game.
Any other evidence out there on the internet to compare with? Or are you the only people crazy enough to analyse these kinds of games with the analytic lens? 😂
Hello Gabriel - that is a great question and you raise a very important issue. I would not necessarily characterize my answer as they 'should' be different, but do agree it is reasonable to consider various factors when comparing eras of the game and how context impacts model assumptions, etc. For example, the ball itself has undergone various versions. Substitution rules and cultural norms changed dramatically over time, etc.
Personally, I am a big fan of measuring and comparing players and teams relative to their own eras/peer groups when possible. I think it is certainly plausible that an xG model built with late 1960's factors in mind could be different than contemporary versions, and at least suggest different norms as to what would be "expected."
Great podcast, really brings home how innovative the team were. A counter-pressing, suffocating performance with Murdoch and Auld as proto Iniesta and Xavi partnership.
Given how much talent Central Scotland continues to produce, how long before another team takes that talent, combines it with elite management, a few foreign signings and innovative tactics and wins the big cup again?
Great stuff guys! Agree on 1970 and 2003. would be good to hear your thoughts on where it all went wrong!
Watch this space!
Considering how long ago this was and how few lions are left, it blows my mind to hear Archie McPherson commentating in Lisbon
You guys are providing O'Riley levels value for money, Thanks and merry christmas
I’m saving this to listen with my dad who was at the big game in Lisbon. Great idea for a pod-thank you and merry Christmas.
You are welcome - Merry Christmas and hope you and your dad enjoy. 🍀
Good conversation and analysis both of you. No doubt Murdoch was MOTM but it’s crazy to hear and see the overwhelming statistics in favour of Celtic’s attacking performance.
Also, don’t think you should do the same with Milan but a podcast discussing the UEFA Cup Final in Seville may be interesting, lots of subscribers with real (painful) memories of it.
Too soon
20 years on and I don’t think any of us have managed to watch that game again
🙋♂️
Me too
Incredible Content Gents.
Great stuff guys.
My thirteen year old me just got a fabulous belated Christmas present. Thanks lads a job very well done.
Thanks Martin that means a lot