Football's psychology evolution is gathering pace despite 'culture of conservatism'

University courses Medicine & Psychology
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The article discusses the evolving role of psychology in football, particularly in elite clubs, as coaches and players increasingly recognize the importance of mental well-being and cognitive skills in the game. Davide Ancelotti, the assistant coach at Real Madrid, notes the growing demand for psychological support among players and envisions a future where each player has their own psychologist.

History

The use of psychology in football is not entirely new, with AC Milan’s innovative psychology laboratory, the ‘Mind Room,’ dating back to 1986. However, Ancelotti emphasizes a shift towards individualized psychological support for players, highlighting that mental health and psychology are now more openly discussed in society.

Aims

Premier League clubs are incorporating psychology specialists to address confidence, focus, and mental health issues across the entire playing staff. Some top European clubs are exploring advanced technologies like brain imaging and virtual reality to enhance cognitive skills such as perception. For example, players are using virtual reality technology to improve their scanning abilities on the pitch.

There is also a growing trend of ‘psychological coding’ in football, where actions during a game are analyzed based on criteria like confidence, focus, and motivation. Chelsea’s former backroom staff member, Malcolm Harkness, shares insights from their coding program, revealing how players like Eden Hazard, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and N’Golo Kante displayed different psychological attributes on the field.

Conservatism

Despite these advancements, the article notes a lingering “traditional culture of conservatism” in football, which may hinder the widespread adoption of psychological interventions and innovations. There is skepticism and a risk-averse attitude within the sport, especially when it comes to adopting cognitive technologies like brain scanning.

Ultimately, the article suggests that football is undergoing a cultural shift, with players taking charge of their own psychological development. Ancelotti believes that football must adapt to societal changes, acknowledging the importance of managing players’ mental well-being and improving decision-making in response to the evolving mentality of the younger generation entering the sport.

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The mental element is crucial in football. Take Haaland for example - he remains ice cold at all times and this is what enabled him to score so many goals last season.

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yes!! especially among elite clubs, highlighting the shift towards individualized player support and technological advancements to enhance cognitive skills on the pitch.

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