Effect of lockdown owing to COVID-19 on players’ match statistics in bundesliga

ABSTRACT

Problem StatementFor the safety of athletes and fans, in March 2020 it was decided to suspend or cancel most European football leagues due to COVID-19. During the lockdown, athletes, like most of the population, had to stay at home, and team training was not an option. The football world has seen many discussions about the possible impact of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 on the physical condition and technical skills of players.Approach:this study is based on the Bundesliga (German top professional division) because it is one of the best football leagues in the world and was one of the first to resume play. Data from four fixture rounds played after the restart of 2019/2020 season were analysed and compared with the four fixture rounds immediately preceding the lockdown.Study focuses on the first four fixtures rounds after the return, because during this period the effects of lockdown should be most visible. Purpose: The purpose of the article is to describe the impact of the lockdown due to COVID-19 on players’ match statistics following return to play. Results:The results indicate that after league resumption, players committed significantly more fouls and contested more aerial duels.This could be explained in three ways compensation for decline in their running abilities,great willingness to play after the break or concentration on strength training during the lockdown.Conclusions:Despite some differences in match statistics after the lockdown it has to be stated that the Bundesliga clubs were able to manage this period quite well in terms of keeping their players in a good overall shape. © JPES.