In a sport with as much bravado, male aggression and ‘lads-on-tour’ mentality as football, it’s hard to imagine much room for the nuances of the scientific study of the mind – Psychology. In days gone by it would have been something of a leap to picture the likes of Billy Bremner, Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris or Graeme Souness taking to the leather couch to tearily discuss their troubled childhoods or deep seated resentment of their mothers. Fast-forward to the modern era and the game has changed immeasurably, and with it, so has both the practice and perception of the sports psychologist.
Top tier managers such as Arsene Wenger and Sam Allardyce have long been advocates of a more scientific approach to motivational team talks and player mental heath. A rare insight into the kind of tactics used at the top level surfaced back in 2008, when a misplaced motivational Arsenal team briefing document found it’s way into the hands of the British press, prior to the North London side’s victory away at Bolton Wanderers. The curious dossier, allegedly mandatory reading for all squad members, contained such phrases as ‘Be demanding with yourself’, ‘Believe in the strength of the team’ and ‘Show the desire to win in all that you do’.
The document was a mere fragment of the kind of work undertaken on a day-to-day basis, and in truth offers little that could not be downloaded for free from a self-help website. But it was also an indicator that for all the millions ploughed into fitness technology, doctors, nutritionists and training facilities, many modern football clubs are reserving budget to ensure their players are as sound of mind as they are of body. To get a better grasp on the profession as it stands today, we took to the couch of respected football psychologist Dan Abrahams, who’s impressive track record has seen him work with the likes of Carton Cole, Jamie O’Hara, Lee Catermole, Anton Ferdinand and Scott Parker.
“For me the mark of a mentally well drilled team is twofold: togetherness and certainty. They work cohesively toward an end goal (a vision if you like) and they execute a strategy or series of strategies with certainty.”
A sense of togetherness on field would seem like an obvious prerequisite to a mentally strong team. But as alluded to earlier, in a game where confidence is king and failure to display it regularly could lead to questioning glances, how does Dan crack through this outer shell of reluctance and foster something akin to that mercurial quality of ‘team spirit’?
“I think speaking the language of the footballer is rarely talked about, but so important. You have to be believable. As a football psychologist If you can’t speak their language it is less likely they’re going to want your opinion. This is why I spent a couple of years in non-league football working as a football psychology consultant. I learnt very quickly what you can and can’t say, what you should and shouldn’t do.”
Self-belief undoubtedly comes more naturally to some than to others. Sunderland hitman Nicklas Bendtner raised more then a few eyebrows a few seasons back, when he scored off the charts in a self-perceived competence test while at parent club Arsenal. Few would feel compelled to match such faith in Bendtner’s ability, as dangerous a he can occasionally be on his day, and with this in mind we asked Dan if such tests can have real value: