Belgian firm bids to replace national coach with ‘soccer obsessed’ robot
If the Royal Belgian Football Association wants to turn the game on its head, then it could scarcely find a better way than appointing a robot as its national coach.
But that’s exactly the suggestion made by a tech company, whose staff has written to football association technical director Chris Van Puyvelde, asking him to consider hiring a “data-driven” android.
“The candidate we put forward is obsessed by soccer and combines a data-driven approach with unbridled enthusiasm.
“We can say that this is a unique candidate, because he is not flesh and blood.”
The unusual job application from In the Pocket promises a manager who can work 24/7, base decisions on team member and opponent statistics, and analyze the increasing technological world of football.
In The Pocket wil de #bondscoach vervangen door een bot https://t.co/EGRM57RuvPpic.twitter.com/nF1hNzDWQC
— In The Pocket (@itpocket) July 27, 2016
For example, the firm believes they can incorporate information on player fitness and movement already being recorded on the field into a smart robot manager.
The letter states that “video observation, accelerometers, heart rate monitors, biometric sensors in smart clothes, Bluetooth beacons on the field” could be fed into a data system in real time.
One of the major advantages of a robot tactician is that it has no time for “outlandish hairstyle and Louis Vuitton bags,” according to In the Pocket.
While one human job would be made redundant, a team of at least 11 analysts would be required to make sure that the right information reaches the right people, such as players, coaches, and medical staff.
4 days left to apply for football manager role with Belgium. Competitive salary. Must have crisp white shirts. pic.twitter.com/TUzu1JJOf6
— Luke Holohan (@Lukeholohan) July 27, 2016
The unusual proposal comes as the national side seeks to find a replacement for Marc Wilmots, who was sacked after a disappointing exit to Wales in Euro 2016.
A job specification posted on the Royal Belgian Football Association’s official website states that the next Red Devils coach should have a “proven record” working in modern football.
The manager should also be a “strong and open communicator” and experience working with “top level players.”