Cultured Football #160
Scottish Wrexham. Arsenal's Shady Boss. Schalke's Fall. Too Much Data. Judging Klopp.
How a tiny Scottish soccer club is chasing ‘Wrexham’-sized dreams
By Issy Ronald for CNN
Whilst attractive, the title of this piece is mis-leading; that of the Caledonian Braves isn’t another story of a club taken over by someone famous looking to bankroll their rise up the Scottish football league system. In fact, what they’re doing and their story is much more interesting and wholesome.
Bonus Pick: In the meantime, the owners of the ‘real’ Wrexham have joined the star-studded ownership group of Liga MX side Necaxa. [By for ]
Arsenal’s shady icon Sir Henry Norris – the man Spurs fans hate
By Jon Spurling for Online Gooner
When the Premier League were pushing for the removal of FA Cup replays, they surprisingly received the support of the National League. Afterwards it emerged that the two bodies had agreed to set up a competition between them, which might have contributed to the decision. Yet, the history of the game is littered with individuals who do everything to influence others and make sure decisions go their way. Few as much as Sir Henry Norris whose story you really have to read to believe.
Schalke's fall to the edge of existence
By Harry de Cosemo for BBC Sport
The last time that Schalke 04 were relegated from the Bundesliga, they bounced right back up. Not this time, however, so much that there’s even a risk of a further relegation. Some fall for one of the giants of German football who are also grappling with financial issues that make getting out of this situation even more challenging.
Bonus Pick: St Pauli missed out on the opportunity of promotion to the Bundesliga when they lost the Hamburg derby away on Friday in a game that confirmed that these two sides should really be playing in the top division. [By Constantin Eckner and Maria Feck for ESPN]
Bonus Pick: Had no idea why the pharmaceutical giant Bayer used to back Bayer Uerdingen, why the backed out and what happened to that club since. [By Han Balk for Terrace Edition]
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To xG or not xG: that is the question
By for
Data analytics has become essential in elite football with the rise and general acceptance of measures like xG being the most clear example of all that. Yet, amidst its prevalence, a question arises: is there a threshold where the influx of data becomes excessive, or does the concept of 'too much data' simply not apply in this context? And are the clubs who make the best use of data the ones who eventually over-achieve?
Bonus Pick: Another common feature of modern football is the multi-club model. Yet, unless they are at the top of the pyramid, players are rarely among those who benefit from this model. [By Steve Menary for Play the Game].
How will we remember Jurgen Klopp's time in the Premier League?
By for
I do not need much (any) convincing about Jurgen Klopp’s greatness. But it is when you look at how much was spent during his time compared to others that you truly start to appreciate how much he over-achieved.
Every Saturday, Cultured Football brings you five great football articles you will enjoy reading.
Something Extra
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Last Week’s Most Read: Should Liverpool Sell Darwin Núñez?
By Josh Williams for Distance Covered
Some lacklustre performances - and a horrific miss against Everton - coupled with Liverpool’s fatal slips in the title race have re-ignited the debate around Darwin Nunez. In reality, debate is too strong of a term for there seems to be a growing consensus that Nunez simply isn’t good enough for the job as evidenced by how many chances he misses. Yet do the numbers truly support that conclusion? An insightful, data-driven analysis of Liverpool’s ‘best worst player’.
Bonus Pick: On the flip side to Darwin Nunez there’s the story of Dominic Solanke who finally seems ready to make the step (back) up to the big time.
Loved the story about the Caledonian Braves!
That’s very kind of you to include my article amongst some outstanding writing. Thanks!