The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes after Leicester City manager Ian Holloway, calls referee Keith Stroud's penalty decision against his team, as one of the 'maddest decisions ever'.
Football: Ian Holloway - Blame!
So Leicester City lose the M69 derby. A tense relegation battle against local rivals Coventry City. The pressure is now on The Foxes at the wrong end of the table. In blaming Keith Stroud for the first goal, Holloway is letting his team know that he believes that external forces are conspiring against them. It's a good way to build an US v Them siege mentality. But it can also be counter productive.
When decisions go against his team from now on, the Leicester City players could shrug their shoulders and so 'Look - forces are conspiring against us again. What can I do about it?' Blaming referees for goals conceded, can disempower the players. It says, 'you are not at fault for the goal'. It provides an easy excuse for players of a weak mentality. And regular defeats can weaken mentalities.
Far better to remove the referee from the picture. He will not cost Leicester City relegation, should they go down. It is all in the hands of the players. They will create their own future. It comes down to their mental strength. Blame can weaken mental resolve. And that is something Leicester City need in abundance right now.
