The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as the unsettlement surrounding Liverpool Football Club intensifies.
Football: Liverpool - Unity?
'It's not just this week, it's been going on for some time and it's certainly not helping the players. I've got to be careful what I say, but it's certainly not helping the team." The words of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard after his sides draw at home to Aston Villa.
It's unusual for a player to come out and make any comment at all about boardroom matters. Mostly, the players say they don't concern themselves with what happens off the field. However, there can be no doubt that success on the pitch is directly supported by harmony off the pitch.
It could be something for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to turn to his advantage. To create an enemy for his team. A THEM to focus their collective energy upon defeating. Unfortunately it is an enemy within. And taking the fight to the enemy within can only ever be a short-term proposition.
In-fighting will lead to a collective sense of dis-harmony that creates inevitable cliques and factions. Better for Liverpool's American owners to come to Anfield and hold frank and open discussions with both the management team, players and fans. Create some dialogue. Build rapport. Clear the air.
It may be that Tom Hicks and George Gillett are out of their depth. That they simply don't have the calibre of acumen to handle the affairs of Liverpool FC. In which case they should get help. Enlist a football consultant to help them navigate the uncertain waters of the future.
As it stands, Liverpool's season will end up mirroring the uncertainty that now characterises the leadership of the club. And that is no coincidence.
