The Confidence Coach's Sports Psychology Reports

Sports Psychology Report - The Brain Of The Perfect Football Manager

3: The Edge

Is ruthless when ruthlessness is called for, acting without emotion or sentiment. Key decisions are always made for the benefit of the team and its future. Is prepared to be unpopular in service of the club cause and ethic. The manager with edge, will challenge authority and create an aura of respect and, sometimes, trepidation. They are never satisfied with success and are always craving more. Driven by a subconscious dread of failure.

The Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex has never been frightened of making ruthless decisions to axe players if it is the best interests of the football club. The decision to sell Jaap Stam to Lazio in 2001 is a good example of this. The dropping of his trusted goalkeeper Jim Leighton after an indifferent performance in the 1990 Cup Final is a further demonstration of this capacity to make the tough decision.

When David Beckham missed training three times in late 1999, Ferguson was swift to discipline him, nor was he slow to sell Paul Ince in 1995, when it became clear to him that the opinionated midfielder was starting to think he was bigger than the team.

Sports Psychology Reports: The Strategist