Grace on Football

Grace on Football explores the intricacies of football (soccer) through a critical analysis of tactics, player performances, and financial strategies within the sport. It delves into the effects of managerial decisions, club policies, and the impact of external factors like VAR on the game's dynamics.

Football Tactics Player Analysis Financial Strategies in Football Managerial Impact Club Policies External Factors in Football

The hottest Substack posts of Grace on Football

And their main takeaways

The Enshittification of Manchester United

1159 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Football Finance Management Commercialization Ownership
  1. The Glazers' ownership of Manchester United has led to mismanagement on and off the pitch, creating a downward trajectory for the club.
  2. The concept of 'enshittification' can be seen in how tech platforms first cater to users, then prioritize business customers over users, and eventually focus on extracting maximum value for themselves before declining.
  3. Manchester United's shift towards prioritizing commercial success over sporting success has negatively affected the club's growth and standing, leading to concerns about the future of the team.

How on earth do you replace Jürgen Klopp?

648 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Soccer Management Team Structure Recruitment Decision-making
  1. Liverpool's journey to find structural stability after Klopp's era began with a turbulent start due to a mistaken committee approach.
  2. The success of Liverpool's recent transfers is attributed to a clear structure under Klopp's direction with Edwards as a key figure.
  3. As Liverpool faces the departure of key personnel like Edwards and Schmadtke, the focus is now on finding a new sporting director to seamlessly fit into the existing system.

David Beckham the footballer, was better than you probably think.

1002 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Football Players Teams Career Legacy
  1. David Beckham's football skills were underrated and he performed consistently well on the field.
  2. Beckham excelled in an era where football tactics were changing, demonstrating his versatility as a player.
  3. Despite Beckham's celebrity status, his on-pitch contributions were significant and he should be recognized as one of England's best footballers.
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Can Arsenal really compete at the top?

805 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Soccer Teams Players Performance Strategy
  1. Arsenal has shown significant improvement under manager Mikel Arteta, achieving better results and attracting better players.
  2. The team's young core and strong defensive foundation provide hope for future success, even if immediate goals are not met.
  3. Key players like Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice play crucial roles in the team's tactics and overall performance.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Football Television Economics Broadcasting Culture
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.

The Sunderland Vortex

845 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Football Management
  1. The creation of the Premier League led to financial risks and rewards in English football.
  2. The 'Sunderland Vortex' traps teams in making short-term decisions to avoid relegation, sacrificing long-term planning.
  3. Clubs without significant wealth in the Premier League are at risk of being caught in the 'Sunderland Vortex' and facing relegation.

What's Boehly's plan at Chelsea?

589 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🎾 Sports Football Finance Ownership Coaching
  1. Boehly is not afraid of the limelight and loves attention, unlike most American owners of Premier League clubs
  2. Boehly's plan for Chelsea involves signing the best young players and having Graham Potter coach them into senior professionals in a coherent system
  3. Chelsea's long-term success hinges on Vivell's talent scouting and Potter's coaching, with the focus on younger players and a shift towards longer-term thinking