Stay Focused, With or Without the Ball

Football demands more than skill on the ball. A player may spend less than two minutes in possession during a match. What matters is how they use the rest of their time.

• Stay engaged in the game rather than waving to friends or relatives on the sidelines.

• Contribute actively instead of simply watching teammates work hard.

• Keep your attention on the match, not your plans for later.

 

Put the Team First

Give the team the best chance of winning by committing to these habits:

• Help teammates, even when there is no direct benefit to you.

• Listen to your coaches and manager, and act on their instructions.

• Train hard and purposefully between matches.

• Warm up properly so you are ready to perform.

• Encourage teammates and share clear, useful information.

• Bring belief, discipline and a willingness to improve to every session and match.

 

Respond Constructively to Setbacks

• Acknowledge mistakes, pressure and disappointment, then choose a constructive response.

• After losing possession, focus on your next action.

• When a teammate makes a mistake, encourage rather than blame.

• When the scoreline goes against you, stay organised, communicate and keep working.

• Balance confidence with accountability: accept feedback, identify improvements and take responsibility.

• Make a positive attitude a shared team standard.

• Celebrate effort and learn from setbacks. Whatever the result, leave the pitch knowing your attitude and commitment matched your ambition.

 

Manchester United: Managerial Example

The following interpretation of Manchester United’s managerial experiences raises questions about player commitment. It is an argument about mentality, rather than a verified explanation of results.

Amorim: One interpretation is that players did not embrace his approach, and declining commitment contributed to a rapid downturn in results.

Solskjaer: The argument is that an initial “new-manager bounce” gave way to poorer attitudes, performances and results as his tenure progressed.

Carrick: A similar interpretation is proposed: an early positive response followed by declining attitudes, performances and results.

What the Argument Assumes

This view assumes that the following remained largely unchanged:

• The core group of players

• The players’ ability

• The tactics, apart from Amorim’s approach

• The instructions given to players

• Training routines and match preparation

If these factors remained broadly consistent but results changed, how much responsibility lies with the manager, and how much with the players’ mentality?

 

The Lesson for Players

Managers set expectations; players must put them into practice.

Whatever the tactics, approach change with an open mind, take responsibility for your performance and stay committed to your teammates.

A positive mentality means turning that commitment into action, particularly when circumstances are difficult.

Believe in your ability, stay accountable and make your next action a positive one.

 

Finally – how can a club help you?

Players turn to a physiotherapist to prepare physically when they have an injury. Mental preparation deserves the same attention.

Recognise Less Visible Challenges

Challenges that can affect a player’s readiness include:

• Significant difficulties outside football

• A non-visible disability

• Conflict with a teammate, coach or manager

• Difficulty understanding or carrying out instructions

These difficulties can prevent players from performing at their best.

Give Mental Preparation Equal Priority

We readily recognise that a tight calf, groin strain or other minor injury can limit performance. Mental difficulties are less visible and often receive less empathy, yet they can be just as limiting.

Why not give mental preparation the same priority as physical care by employing coaches dedicated to it?

 

My approach to coaching and management recognises that no single method suits every player, especially in grassroots football. Just as a physiotherapist helps players prepare physically, a coach should help them prepare mentally so they can give their best on the pitch.

• Allocate “discussion slots” with players the way they organise their slots with the physio

• Set out PDPs (“personal development plans”) for every player and review it at least quarterly

• Be available pre match to check players have no issues to carry into a game

• Deal with players on a 1:1 basis