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Sousa H, Clemente FM, Sarmento H, Gouveia ÉR, Musa RM. Comparing locomotor intensity indicators in soccer training and competition across contextual factors: a study of replaced coaches in a Portuguese professional 1st league team. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1391784. [PMID: 38854423 PMCID: PMC11157433 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1391784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine, for each head coach (HC) replaced, the association between training intensity and physical performances obtained in games. Furthermore, the study investigated how contextual factors influence locomotor and mechanical performance association. External load variables were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices across the 4 weeks and 4 games before and after the replacement in a professional adult male soccer team. Six different HC records were analysed (48.8 ± 7.4 years of age; 11.2 ± 3.9 years as an HC) during a three-season span (2020/21-2022/2023). There were marked differences within player variability across the two coaching regimes. Game loads didn't reflect training-related performance, with differences ranging from -71.4% to -9.9%. Players under the outgoing coaches have greater coverage of meters per minute. Meters per minute, distance covered over 18 km/h and high-speed running (all in training) are found to be significant variables influenced by contextual factors. Within-subject and time, training loads did not reflect game-related loads/performances, with starters showing higher deficits (ranging from -79.0 to -14.5). The study suggests that changes in soccer HC can affect players' training intensity and game performance, influenced by various contextual factors and not directly correlated. This type of information might be very suitable to improve training load periodization and programming. For further research avenues, could be the study of the variation of the psychological states of the players at the time of the dismissal and hiring of the HCs, associating them with the physiological performance at the same moments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorato Sousa
- Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Élvio R. Gouveia
- LARSyS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Rabiu Muazu Musa
- Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
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Sousa H, Clemente FM, Gouveia ÉR, Field A, Sarmento HB. Effects of changing the head coach on soccer team's performance: A systematic review. Biol Sport 2024; 41:83-94. [PMID: 38524815 PMCID: PMC10955743 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2024.131816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise the most significant literature addressing the effects of changing the HC on soccer team's performance, identifying the most frequently researched outcomes and characterizing their methodologies. A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2020) guidelines. The following keywords and synonyms were entered in various combinations in the title, abstract or keywords: "football*" OR soccer AND "coach*" OR "manager*" AND "replacement" OR "turnover" OR "substitution*" OR "change". Solely original articles written in English that contained data about the effects of the change in the HC on performance in professional male soccer were included. A total of 94 titles were identified, of which 24 met the eligibility criteria. The quality of the studies was considered excellent. The most common topic of analysis was the effects of the HC on match outcomes (i.e., win, draw, loss, points won, goals average). Some studies suggest that the HCs dismissal has small but positive impacts on a team's short-term performance, while other findings suggest that little-to-no impact is observed following HC departure. The dismissal of the HC does not guarantee increase success of an underperforming team. Some studies suggest that hiring an appropriate coach could positively affect match performance in the short-term. Due to limited variations in study designs, further research is needed before robust conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorato Sousa
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity. Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Élvio R. Gouveia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- LARSyS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Adam Field
- Research Centre for Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Hugo Borges Sarmento
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity. Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
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Sousa H, Musa RM, Clemente FM, Sarmento H, Gouveia ÉR. Physical predictors for retention and dismissal of professional soccer head coaches: an analysis of locomotor variables using logistic regression pipeline. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1301845. [PMID: 38053523 PMCID: PMC10694450 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1301845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Soccer has enormous global popularity, increasing pressure on clubs to optimize performance. In failure, the tendency is to replace the Head coach (HC). This study aimed to check the physical effects of mid-season replacements of HCs, investigating which external load variables can predict retention or dismissal. Methods The data was collected in training and matches of a professional adult male soccer team during three complete seasons (2020/21-2022/2023). The sample included 6 different HCs (48.8 ± 7.4 years of age; 11.2 ± 3.9 years as a HC). The 4 weeks and 4 games before and after the replacement of HCs were analysed. External load variables were collected with Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. A logistic regression (LR) model was developed to classify the HCs' retention or dismissal. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted to determine the specific locomotive variables that could predict the likelihood of HC retention or dismissal. Results In competition, locomotor performance was better under the dismissed HCs, whereas the new HC had better values during training. The LR model demonstrated a good prediction accuracy of 80% with a recall and precision of 85% and 78%, respectively, amongst other model performance indicators. Meters per minute in games was the only significant variable that could serve as a potential physical marker to signal performance decline and predict the potential dismissal of an HC with an odd ratio of 32.4%. Discussion An in-depth analysis and further studies are needed to understand other factors' effects on HC replacement or retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorato Sousa
- Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rabiu Muazu Musa
- Centre for Fundamental and Continuing Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdańsk, Poland
- Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center SPRINT, Melgaço, Portugal
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Élvio R. Gouveia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- LARSyS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
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Ekstrand J, Van Zoest W, Gauffin H. Changes in head staff members in male elite-level football teams are associated with increased hamstring injury burden for that season: the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2023; 9:e001640. [PMID: 38022762 PMCID: PMC10660205 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate whether a change of head coach or other head staff before or during a season is correlated to hamstring injury (HI) burden in male elite-level football (soccer) in Europe. Methods The survey was conducted using a questionnaire reporting any staff change within the team. Data about the head staff changes and hamstring injury burdens were collected from 14 teams participating in the Elite Club Injury Study (ECIS) during the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. Results On average, replacing the head coach before or during a season happens in every second season. All changes, except for the change of the head coach during a season, indicate an association with an increase in HI burden (ranging from 10% to 81%). However, only changes in the fitness coach and team doctor roles reached statistical significance. The HI burden seems to be influenced by adding new staff members, such as the head of fitness/performance coach in 36% of the teams and the team doctor in 17%. New head coaches starting the season with their own, for the team new, fitness/performance coach was highly associated with increased HI burden (p<0.001). Conclusions Bringing their own fitness/performance coaches is common for managers entering a new elite male football club. However, this paper has highlighted that this trend seems to lead to a three times increase in HI burden. Similarly, replacing the team doctor was also associated with increased HI burden. Instability among head staff members in male elite-level football teams seems associated with increased HI burden during the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ekstrand
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Wart Van Zoest
- Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Anna Hospital, Geldrop, The Netherlands
- PSV, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Håkan Gauffin
- Department of Orthopaedics Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linkoping, Sweden
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Frost J, Walton CC, Purcell R, Rice SM. Supporting The Mental Health Of Elite-Level Coaches Through Early Intervention. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2023; 5:100734. [PMID: 37645386 PMCID: PMC10461153 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Current evidence indicates that elite-level coaches encounter a range of performance, organizational, and personal stressors that may influence or compromise mental health. With exposure to these stressors, supports need to be established to protect and preserve the mental health of elite-level coaches. Given the paucity of evidence available, this article proposes a number of considerations that should be taken into account when developing a mental health and rehabilitation framework for high-performance coaches. We argue that early intervention should be positioned at the core of this framework, to address the onset of symptoms prior to the emergence of a mental disorder or mental health crisis. Mental health screening and monitoring of coaches, the psychological safety of high-performance environments, the mental health literacy of coaches, and the tailored pathways to support are discussed. Beyond these strategies, it is proposed that rehabilitation and reintegration should be addressed to assist coaches who are currently experiencing mental ill health or have left their role due to mental health reasons. Although further research is needed to implement evidence-based strategies, it is recommended that a future mental health framework should incorporate the perspectives of coaches to ensure it is consistent with their needs and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Frost
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney C. Walton
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon M. Rice
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Elite Sports and Mental Health, Orygen, Melbourne, Australia
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Radzimiński Ł, Padrón-Cabo A, Modric T, Andrzejewski M, Versic S, Chmura P, Sekulic D, Konefał M. The effect of mid-season coach turnover on running match performance and match outcome in professional soccer players. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10680. [PMID: 35739176 PMCID: PMC9226040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14996-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to examine the physical match performance and match outcome before and after coach turnover in professional soccer teams compared with a control group containing coaches working continuously for 3 consecutive seasons. Analysed data included 325 performances of teams led by dismissed coaches (DC), 313 of teams led by new coaches (NC), and 580 of teams led by unchanged coaches (UnC). Variables, such as average number of collected points, total distance (TD), total distance per minute (TD/min), high-speed running (HSR), sprinting and number of high-intensity runs (NHIR), were analysed in the last 15 games of DC and 15 matches of NC. These periods were divided into 3 blocks out of 5 matches (5-match blocks). NC collected a significantly higher number of points than DC (p = 0.015), whereas average points collected by UNC were significantly greater than DC (p < 0.001 and NC (p = 0.012). TD and TD/min for DC were significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared with both NC and UnC, whereas significant differences in HSR (p = 0.003) and NHIR (p = 0.03) were identified between DC and NC. The current study reported that mid-season coach turnover may result in short-term improvement in team results and physical match performance. However, this effect disappears after a period of approximately 5 games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Radzimiński
- Department of Physiology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego 1, 80-336, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Alexis Padrón-Cabo
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of A Coruña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Toni Modric
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marcin Andrzejewski
- Department of Recreation, University School of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sime Versic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Paweł Chmura
- Department of Team Games, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marek Konefał
- Department of Biological and Motor Sport Bases, University School of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland
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Augusto D, Brito J, Aquino R, Figueiredo P, Eiras F, Tannure M, Veiga B, Vasconcellos F. Contextual Variables Affect Running Performance in Professional Soccer Players: A Brief Report. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:778813. [PMID: 34966895 PMCID: PMC8710504 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.778813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of contextual variables on running performance in Brazilian professional soccer players. Twenty male players from one club participating in the 1st Division of the Brazilian soccer championship were analyzed during 35 matches. Global Positioning System was used to determine total distance (TD) covered, distance covered and actions in high intensity and sprinting, and the number of accelerations, and decelerations. The independent variables used were match location, match outcome, opposition ranking, change of head coach, and distance traveled to play the matches. Total distance was higher in a way than home matches (9,712 vs. 9,533 m; p ≤ 0.05), and losses than draws and wins (9,846 vs. 9,400 vs. 9,551 m; p ≤ 0.05), whereas distance in sprinting was higher in draws than losses (203 vs. 175 m; p ≤ 0.01). Changing the head coach during the season resulted in overall lower distance covered in high intensity, sprinting, high-intensity actions (p ≤ 0.01), and decelerations (p ≤ 0.05). Higher values for distance covered in sprinting and high intensity were found in matches without travel compared to those with long-travel (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, running performance was affected by the location, match outcome, change of head coach, and distance traveled during the season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diêgo Augusto
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Soccer Studies (LABESFUT), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - João Brito
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Aquino
- Department of Sports, Center of Physical Education and Sports (CEFD), Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Pedro Figueiredo
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, Oeiras, Portugal.,Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, Maia, Portugal.,CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabio Eiras
- Laboratory of Soccer Studies (LABESFUT), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Veiga
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Soccer Studies (LABESFUT), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Vasconcellos
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratory of Soccer Studies (LABESFUT), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Impact of elite soccer coaching change on team performance according to coach- and club-related variables. Biol Sport 2021; 38:603-608. [PMID: 34937970 PMCID: PMC8670813 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2021.101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A coaching change is an extreme, but frequently occurring phenomenon in elite soccer with its impact on team success debatable. The aim of the current study was twofold: (i) to compare team's performance when coached by new and old coaches; and (ii) to investigate the impact of a coaching change on team's performance according to coach- and club-related factors. All in-season coaching changes from the 2010-11 to 2017-18 seasons within the Spanish, French, English, German and Italian professional leagues were examined. Team performance was assessed as points awarded from match outcome over 1-20 matches prior to and following the coaching change. Four independent variables (coach's experience, team's budget, whether the coach had been an elite former player or not, and whether the coach was a novice or not) were included into linear regression modelling. The main results showed that team's short-term performance was improved significantly with a change to a new coach with this impact declining in the longer term (> 10 matches). Specifically, the number of points (1.15-1.32 vs. 0.37-1.03, p < 0.05) and the moving average of points (1.19-1.31 vs. 0.37-1.04, p < 0.05) awarded per match were significantly greater after the coaching change. Further, the winning effect due to the new coach was independent of coach-related factors such as coaching experience or the new coach being a former elite player. A critical organisational decision to change coaches may provide an essential stimulus for future team success in elite soccer.
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Guerrero-Calderón B, Owen A, Morcillo JA, Castillo-Rodríguez A. How does the mid-season coach change affect physical performance on top soccer players? Physiol Behav 2021; 232:113328. [PMID: 33484724 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the locomotion and metabolic responses of professional players in the top three competitive standards of Spanish soccer (First, Second and Second 'B' division) during the four weeks before and after dismissal the coach. Training and match load data were analyzed separately (n = 1189 events) by coach (dismissed coach and the new coach) and Wilcoxon-test was performed to compare data between coaches. In training, players covered longer distance in all speed ranges >14 km•h - 1 with the coach dismissed; medium (14-18 km•h - 1), high (18-21 km•h - 1), very-high (21-24 km•h - 1) and sprint running distance (>24 km•h - 1) (d = 0.53, 0.46, 0.58 and 0.54; respectively) on first division; and equivalent distance index and accelerations events (d = 0.63 and 0.50; respectively) on second division. Lower differences were found in matches, in which the dismissed coach showed higher equivalent distance index, accelerations and decelerations events (d = 0.69, 0.68 and 0.61; respectively) compared to the new coach in the second division. Therefore, the players covered longer high-intensity distance with the dismissed coach than the new coach in training, whilst a similar performance was found in the competition. These results suggest that the coach turnover at mid-season did no increase the players' physical performance either in training or in competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Owen
- Université de Lyon, UCBL1, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire de Biologie de la Motricité - EA 7424, UFRSTAPS, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
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