The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as France begin their Euro' 2008 campaign, with a lacklustre draw with Romania.
Football: France - Lacklustre!
So France begin their group campaign at Euro' 2008, with a sterile goalless draw against Romania. Whilst it is not a result with too many negative consequences, yet, the manner of the performance, should create some cause for concern.
For this was a French team, that had no real sense of purpose. A team that seemed flat, and lacking invention; creativity; spontaneity and energy. A team, that seemed overcoached.
Perhaps this result will act as a wake-up call for the French side. And will cause them to play without the inhibition, that plagued their performance this Monday evening. Allow them to go out and express themselves, and commit more men forward when they get the ball.
But to do that will, require some frank talking. Frank talking from the players and management team, to lift the gloom that seems to pervade this team. Whether it's players not getting on with each other, or them not trusting the managers methods and selection strategy, there is something not quite right about this group of players.
Strong players will need to speak out, otherwise, this French team will become subject to a lock upon their capability. To speak out, takes courage, but if it comes out from a position of value, then it can lift the cloud of gloom.
Sometimes, players will let problems escalate, knowing that it can bring an end to the coach's tenure. But that would be a self-defeating strategy here. This French team can deliver much more than they produced today.
But to show that improvement, will take honesty, strength of mind, and a professional desire to prove yourself equal to the best, on the European stage. For players reaching the end of their international careers, there can really be no other option.
