……OR , there are 5 who own up to feeling this way.
Then there are the others who don’t. They suffer in silence. But of course, it still ‘shows’.
It shows when they are at home and they are not themselves
It shows when they are out in public – sometimes withdrawn, sometimes the opposite to ‘cover up’
It shows in their performance, they’re not at their best – and just can’t shine the way they know they can (which doesn’t help their relationship with their manager)
But let’s not kid ourselves. This isn’t just happening in football. It’s happening in all sports.
The stakes are high, the money is big and the pitfalls are deep.
So why isn’t more being done at club/manager level to help?
Here’s a few possibles to mull over.
Because:
- It’s not that easy to spot. You have to know what you are looking for
- Not every manager has the time, skill or inclination to deal with it
- There’s a view that says: ‘Sport is about ‘men’. They should be ‘big enough’ to handle it’
- ‘Counselling/Therapy’ is talked about as the solution. It isn’t always.
- Coaching is provided for everything. Except for what goes on in your head.
This issue is not going away. In fact, it’s growing.
…Along with the:
- Pressure to consistently perform
- High Salaries
- Lack of attention given to players psychological/ emotional needs
Sport is as much about people management as it is about player and performance management.
So, Managers: If you want the very best from your ‘assets’ – give them your very best.
And then get some help.
Amana
Straightforward, straight talking coach
www.amanawalker.com