Manchester City and SAP SE, as part of a long-term global partnership, have collaborated to bring cutting-edge SAP® technology to the dugout during matches.
Following new rules to allow small technology devices at pitch side this season, City and SAP reacted quickly to extend their existing technology coverage and make sure they could bring players the latest tactics and insights as they prepare to step onto the pitch.
Manchester City’s women’s team uses the same technology as the men’s team, with stars like Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Nikita Parris all using the SAP Challenger Insights mobile app as part of their pre-game preparations in all competitions and during matches.
Using a bespoke version of SAP Challenger Insights, City’s analysts load up tactical plans and opposition insights onto tablets in the lead up to games, which players consult whilst training at the City Football Academy, in the Etihad Stadium dressing room on a matchday and now on the touchlines as well.
As part of the partnership, which sees SAP solutions helping the club operate and perform from the boardroom to the pitch, City is once again pioneering in its use of technology as it becomes amongst the first clubs to turn to real-time tactics and information to get players ready to perform.
Aymeric Laporte, who has quickly established himself at the heart of City’s defence following his transfer in January, commented: “For me, maximising performance is all about preparation and doing everything I can so that when I walk onto the pitch I can anticipate as much as possible. SAP Challenger Insights is an amazing way to help me do that.”
“The partnership between Manchester City and SAP continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology,” said Bernd Leukert, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Products & Innovation.
“As one of the first teams in the English Premier League to bring data onto the touchlines, the Club can now access the most complete view of an opponent’s setup during a match to optimizse training, preparation and performance.”
