The Sports Psychology Blog
Today's Sports Psychology blog comes after newspaper reports that Ian Holloway's job is under threat at Leicester City.
Football: Ian Holloway - The Sack?
So, after three defeats in ten days, Leicester City manager Ian Holloway is reportedly under pressure. Chairman, Milan Mandarich has supposedly been sounding out other managers, such as Billy Davies and Ian Dowie.
Ian Holloway has been Leicester City manager for seventeen games. Which admittedly is longer than Martin Allen and Gary Megson. But for him to be under pressure?
Milan Mandarich thought long and hard over this managerial appointment. He took himself off to America to buy some time and space. To think clearly about who he wanted to lead Leicester City to the promised land of success. A man who could stand up to him. A strong character. In the mould of Harry Redknapp. That is why he head-hunted Ian Holloway from Plymouth Argyle.
Mandarich has put himself under pressure with his declarations about returning Leicester to the Premier League in three years. He feels he has to back these words up. And in doing so he is loading the pressure onto his managers. That is why he sought out a strong manager.
But, restoring Leicester City to the top league may take longer than three years. It's a progression that should happen naturally. Injecting this kind of time pressure into the football club, appears to be having the opposite effect. The pressure seems to be inhibiting growth and development. Leading to poor decision-making.
It's time for Milan Mandarich to take a step back. Back his manager. And let change take the time it needs to take.
Any more of this, and Leicester City will be following other 'big clubs', such as Leeds United and Nottingham Forest into Division One. Clubs with inflated self-views and ambition, out of synch with the reality of their status.
