Benfica looks to enhanced data with Firstbeat Sports

Portugal’s reigning champions S.L. Benfica has partnered with Firstbeat Sports, as the club seeks to utilise advanced analytics to enhance player performances during the upcoming season.

As the club to secure back-to-back Portuguese titles, it will introduce Firstbeat Sports’ Premium player monitoring solution which provides a wide variety of expansive data aimed at optimising performance, fast-tracking player development, and reducing injury risk.

Jan Schimpchen, Head of Player Monitoring at Benfica, commented on the collaboration: “Keeping players healthy and in great physical condition is a difficult task during a long season filled with plenty of important games. We take this challenge seriously and are happy to partner with Firstbeat to improve our player monitoring efforts.

“Given the amount of useful, scientifically validated metrics that the system provides, Firstbeat was a logical choice for us. It’s very functional and easy-to-use but at the same time full of detailed information which help us understand and manage the players’ workloads on an individual basis.”

Firstbeat Sports enables clubs to personalise a player’s training programme with enhanced data, which focuses on physiological responses and recovery time.

Benfica will also benefit from the next–generation Sensor and Live app solution introduced in summer 2019 as the club embarks another UEFA Champions League campaign.

Sports Scientist at Firstbeat Sports, Christoph Rottensteiner, PhD added on the collabration: “For years, Benfica has been working with GPS and external load data. It is exciting to see them recognize the importance of internal load monitoring too, especially in football. The fact they’re also equipping their youth teams with Firstbeat Sports will help Benfica further develop their young players’ potential and ensure the quality of their own academy work – an investment that will pay back in the near future.

“Utilising the Sensor and Live app solution will also introduce more flexibility and mobility to their player monitoring setup and naming Jan Schimpchen as Head of Monitoring speaks to a long-term commitment and successful cooperation between Firstbeat and Benfica.”
Previous articlePhiladelphia Union rolls the dice on Parx Casino partnership
Next articleMLB strikes new data partnership with Swish Analytics