‘Expected goals is a clueless development’: Martin O’Neill on the changing world of management

The article discusses Martin O'Neill's perspective on the changing world of football management, particularly the role of data and analytics. O'Neill, a former manager of Nottingham Forest, was sacked in 2019, a fate similar to that of Nuno Espírito Santo, who was recently fired by the club. O'Neill acknowledges the differences between his and Nuno's tenures, noting that Nuno achieved significant progress during his 21-month stint, while O'Neill's final managerial post at Forest lasted only 19 games. The article highlights O'Neill's view on the increasing importance of "expected goals" and other data-driven metrics in modern football management, which he describes as a "clueless development." O'Neill suggests that these analytical tools do not always provide a complete picture and can lead to misguided decision-making by club owners and administrators. The article also touches on O'Neill's own career, including his disappointment at not getting the England job, which he felt he was well-suited for.