• Premier League

Lies, damned lies and statistics says AVB

ESPN staff
February 25, 2013
Andre Villas-Boas claims he is not one to get bogged down by statistics © Getty Images
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Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has given an insight into his management style by revealing he does not believe in Prozone analysis.

A host of managers use Prozone to tailor their training of players. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, who Villas-Boas will face on Monday, is an advocate of Prozone.

Villas-Boas feels there is a place for sports science in the game, but has warned against becoming bogged down by statistics - preferring to manage on instinct.

"I don't use it because I don't believe in it," Villas-Boas said. "Sometimes certain tasks might not achieve specific physical data that rewards premium efficiency in terms of a physical performance.

"You have to be careful with statistics. I have never used Prozone and I know people will be surprised by that. Sometimes you get a tag and you can't get rid of it.

"Of course we have a scientific department but we don't prepare our training or players based on the physical data we get from matches. The mind and how the player feels is much more important for us rather than statistical data.

"It depends from coach to coach and we all have different approaches. But for me, these stats are useless."

With a lack of striking options due to Jermain Defoe's injury, Villas-Boas is looking for midfielder Mousa Dembele to take on more of an attacking threat after his goal against Lyon.

He said: "Mousa recognises that he should shoot more often. Hopefully that can be the stepping stone for him to score more often."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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