England-based football club Newcastle United has appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as its new 'Technical Director'. He will lead football data operations at the Newcastle-based club, according to an official statement released on Monday.
"Sudarshan - known as Suds - will lead the club's football data operations, working closely with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff and the club's performance, medical, analysis, methodology and recruitment teams," the club said in a press release dated July 21.
Gopaladesikan was previously associated with Atalanta BC, where he was 'Director of Football Intelligence'. There, he helped deliver top finishes and a UEFA Europa League title, the club said.
"I'm delighted and honoured to be joining Newcastle United as Technical Director. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with clubs that have deeply passionate fanbases and Newcastle stands out for its unique connection between the team, the city and its supporters," Gopaladesikan remarked on his latest appointment.
Who Is Sudarshan Gopaladesikan?
Gopaladesikan began his career in 2012 as an intern at Infosys in Bengaluru. He then moved to Microsoft. In 2017, he transitioned into football, joining Portuguese club SL Benfica. At Benfica, he served as Head of 'Sports Data Science'. In 2022, Gopaladesikan joined Atalanta BC as 'Director of Football Intelligence' and continued in his role for three years until last week.
"Yesterday was my last day at Atalanta. I am grateful for the 3 years living in Bergamo. I learned a lot from each and every staff member as the club's success is largely in part to the commitment and dedication each person brings daily to work," Gopaladesikan's latest LinkedIn post reads.
A Stanford University graduate, Gopaladesikan has worked in multiple countries including the US, India, Portugal and Italy. According to his LinkedIn profile, he knows four languages, including Tamil and Italian.
Outside club football, he also lectures on data-driven decision making for FIFA's Executive Education programmes. He completed his schooling in 2010 from Pennsylvania-based Central Dauphin High School.
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