The Sports
Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes as Robbie Savage turns down an offer from Sunderland FC to join Paul Jewell and Derby County.
Football: Robbie Savage - Make Me Feel Special!
In another blow to his team-building plans, tough-tackling midfielder Robbie Savage has turned down the overtures of Roy Keane and Sunderland to join Derby County. A club where he is loathed by the fans. Savage states that he has teamed up with Paul Jewell because he felt Derby County 'wanted him more'.
This may explain why Keane has been unsuccessful in his attempts to lure a number of key players to The Stadium Of Light. Keane has gone on record earlier in the season, saying that players must want to come and play for Sunderland. A black and white issue. That they shouldn't need persuading. The honour of playing for Sunderland FC should be enough. If they don't feel that way, then they are not the players he is looking for.
It's a very principled stance. But it may come at a price. Professional players may not see Sunderland FC and Roy Keane in the same way that he does. Therefore, they may, like Robbie Savage, need warming to the idea. Made to feel important. Playing to their ego. Their need to feel wanted. Needed. Made to feel special.
This presents a dilemma for Keane. It may not be his style to pander to players emotional needs in such a direct way. Yet what if this limits the calibre of player he can attract to Sunderland? That certain emotional types, who want and need to be loved, cared for, made to feel part of the family, will say no to a move to Sunderland FC. They sense an upcoming emotional conflict. It is not enough for them to play for Roy Keane. They need more than that.
Roy Keane has to decide whether he can or will compromise his principled stance. To show to players how much he wants them. It may be a small price to pay to bring in the players he wants. Players that may save Sunderland from relegation. But, when you have based your reputation, your legend, your career, on being a man of principle, it may simply be non-negotiable.
Yet, understanding a players emotional values, is critical knowledge for every manager. Their values are the key that opens the motivational door. You know their values. You therefore know the triggers that motivate them.
But, maybe, in Roy Keane's world, a professional footballer should never need motivating. Playing the game should be enough. It's an understandable mind-set. It is one that has characterised his career. But is it one that may compromise his teams chances of Premier League survival?
