Phil Jones & Lee Johnson: Data-driven development

The 34-year-old, who won 27 England caps before retiring in March 2024, said: “I think players are obviously aware of data (but) I don’t think we’re in an era where players will discuss data within themselves. ‘We’ve got 56% possession at the weekend,’ I don’t think it’s at that stage.

“But players will look individually. When I was a player, I would look at interceptions, passes completed, clearances, blocks, duels. Those are the sort of targets that I would try and benchmark against other games.

“You’ve got to be selective which games you compare them to. Data is a massive part of our game. It’s hugely important and hugely advantageous if you use it in the right way.

“How you measure success for different roles will be different. And I think that’s really important, because as a coach, you hone in on that.”

Armed with this information – and aware of his player’s interest in it – Johnson said he could now use coaching and video analysis to help develop elements of their game.

“So now I’ll go back to my analyst department and say, ‘Right, let’s show the importance of a block, because a really good block where you don’t turn your back sets off a counter attack and we’re really good in our counter attack,’” he said.

“So we then celebrate every block, because it’s important to that player. And then he grows in value in the team because we’ve got sessions on blocking.”

Jones said all this only worked if the player and coach had a strong relationship.

“That goes back to relationships,” said the 34-year-old, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. “You can be the best manager in the world with the best coaching set-ups, but if you do not have a relationship with players in this day and age you will get found out.

“You have to be really good on the grass. You have to show your authority, but you have to show your human side as well and you have to show your authenticity.”

And Jones acknowledged that there was a difference in managing players today, compared to when he was playing.

“I think back to the 18s now. It’s very quiet. They’re understanding there’s a game to be played, they have to win, they want to do well, they want to perform. It’s not very vocal.

“Everyone goes about their business in their own way. I was always a player who liked to just sit and think about the game. I didn’t like any music or any distractions, where some players like the music on, can’t even interact with any other player.

“I always thought the players that shouted the loudest were the ones who were petrified the most.”

Johnson, who has been Head Coach of Belgian side Lommel since March 2025, added: “I’m very similar to you – I’m quite old school in my mentality and I’m always trying to strike the balance between them moving towards my principles and me moving towards their modern ways.

“Where I’ve learned so much out in Belgium is I’ve got 16 different nationalities and cultures.

“What you choose to ignore, you encourage. So you have to have a framework for the team. But if it’s not affecting the team in a negative way, is it worth going to war on? You pick your battles.”