The football manager’s job has to be the toughest and most stressful managerial role in the world. There is no hiding. Your results are immediate once or twice a week. Club directors and fans want immediate results. Poor performance is ruthlessly and publicly punished. Humiliation is a constant companion.
How can soccer players improve their performance?
Under this constant pressure, one can understand why many managers touch the sidelines, on TV, radio and in the press. But they don’t know that their aggressive and abusive behavior makes it impossible for their players to do well.
In today’s competitive world, almost every football manager knows that at Premier League level most players are equal in terms of fitness and skill. What makes the STAR, what makes an exceptional player, is mental fitness. It is mental fitness that wins matches.
So why do many managers behave in ways that damage the mental fitness of their players? Surely it can only be ignorance (in its true sense) – because every manager wants success for his players and his club.
So here are seven things a football manager should do to build the mental fitness of his players.
- Now promise that you will never publicly criticize your players. Not even if it’s justified. You speak in private and if you decide to kick a player, do it in the most decent way possible.
- Tell your players that you like them, that you think they are good players and that you know that they all give their best in every game. You trust them.
- Do whatever it takes to bring fun and excitement back to the team. People cannot perform at their peak when they are scared, worried or unhappy. Make fun your main goal. Work hard – yes! win games, of course. But let’s not beat ourselves up when we make mistakes. Let’s bring the fun back to football and our lives.
- Openly and sincerely praise even the smallest improvement or spark of brilliance. Especially when things go badly. Big fires start with small sparks. Really looking for things to praise.
- Stop yelling, mocking and insulting – even in private. Your macho ego may feel good, but it doesn’t do your players any good at all. In fact, they’ll subconsciously hate you and play bad to bully you—and they won’t even know they’re doing it. Focus on helping people do better, not crushing them with sarcasm.
- Make it your primary goal to help each individual become the best player possible. seen as helping players with their careers. If your club cannot fulfill the playing or betting ambitions of a brilliant player, work with him to find the best possible transfer. Imagine the effect this will have. Players will give you undying loyalty and commitment if they know you’re there for them.
- Find ways to keep players’ minds focused on success. Each day makes statements several times a day that predict success and expect success. Not even a hint of losing! Give the players time to visualize their success – it all comes from a dream.
Is money a factor?
Yes, some money to buy talent is useful, but it is not everything. Seriously, apply these seven rules for two weeks and watch your team become better than you ever thought possible.
