11 Questions Peter a. Løhmann

The pursuit of wisdom in any walk of life quickly reveals that what you think you know is not nearly enough to get you to where you want to go. As I'm starting out in my football scouting journey I challenged myself to reach out to those already working in various roles in football to answer a short list of questions. My goal wasn't to get answers but relevant perspectives on the game within the game.

Here is Peter Løhmann:

How did your first opportunity in football come about?

I don't work in football :-)

What attracted you to media/data/scouting? What’s more intriguing now names or numbers?

I guess I have an analytical approach to most things and my day job is as an analyst in the health and elderly care department of my local municipality.

I'm drawn to numbers and I like the challenge of trying to read them.

What type of player fascinates you? What caught your eye?

Players with a high level of tactical discipline. Players who exhibit tactical intelligence and play as though they're running a second or two ahead of everyone else.

What is the biggest misconception you’ve found in this space?

That numbers alone settle debates.

If you could start over what skill would you build on first?

As an analyst I'd love to have done proper statistical training (I've a master's degree in political science). I don't really have a "toolbox" as such, but sometimes that limitation can be an advantage, as being well-versed in many techniques can lead you to treat everything like a nail for your hammer rather than focusing on the problem you're trying to understand.

What is more important domain knowledge or curiosity?

Curiosity!

What is your favorite sports moment? Why?

Denmark winning Euro 92. That's how I got into football as an interest, not just playing myself.

What coach or player would you give a lifetime contract to? Why?

I don't actually know my answer to that question. Rather than skill, though, I'd be looking towards someone who could be the harbinger and keeper of a successful culture.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into this space?

Let the questions guide you, not the answers :-)

Who is your favorite athlete? Why?

I don't think I have a favourite athlete, actually.

What is your favorite quote or saying?

I've loads! :-D At the moment I really like Eisenhower's "Plans are useless, but planning is invaluable".