Following new rules to allow small technology devices at pitch side this season, City and SAP reacted quickly to extend their existing technology coverage and make sure they could bring players the latest tactics and insights as they prepare to step onto the pitch.
Manchester City’s women’s team uses the same technology as the men’s team, with stars like Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Nikita Parris all using the SAP Challenger Insights mobile app as part of their pre-game preparations in all competitions and during matches.
Using a bespoke version of SAP Challenger Insights, City’s analysts load up tactical plans and opposition insights onto tablets in the lead-up to games, which players consult whilst training at the City Football Academy, in the Etihad Stadium dressing room on a matchday and now on the touchlines as well.
SAP Challenger Insights, part of the SAP Sports One solution, which has been specifically tailored for City’s setup, helps the Club build and plan set-pieces, communicate in-game tactical changes and deliver intuitive up-to-the-minute insights on the opposition using football data feeds. City’s coaches also use the software as a prompt when substitutes join the action.
The Club used SAP Challenger Insights throughout last season’s record-breaking title-winning campaign, but this is the first time that coaches and players have been able to use the mobile app as they step foot on the playing surface.
As part of the partnership, which sees SAP solutions helping the Club operate and perform from the boardroom to the pitch, City is once again pioneering in its use of technology as it becomes amongst the first clubs to turn to real-time tactics and information to get players ready to perform.
Manchester City skipper, Vincent Kompany, said: “The players love using SAP Challenger Insights; it gets me ready for the game and gives me a greater understanding about the players I’ll be coming up against.”
Sergio Aguero, City’s all-time record goal scorer, added: “SAP Challenger Insights helps bring the coaches’ instructions to life so I have a constant reminder of how we are approaching each different game.”
Aymeric Laporte, who has quickly established himself at the heart of City’s defence following his move to the Club last January, commented: “For me, maximising performance is all about preparation and doing everything I can so that when I walk onto the pitch I can anticipate as much as possible. SAP Challenger Insights is an amazing way to help me do that.”
“The partnership between Manchester City and SAP continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology,” said Bernd Leukert, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Products & Innovation.
“As one of the first teams in the English Premier League to bring data onto the touchlines, the Club can now access the most complete view of an opponent’s setup during a match to optimize training, preparation and performance.”
