thehipster
Well-Known Member
- Aug 31, 2012
- 504
- 2,036
Sir Clive Woodward used a good acronym to get his players to think whilst under very stressful situations back in the Rugby World Cup 2003 era.
TCUP - Think Clearly Under Pressure.
Players would shout out TCUP to each other at key times to remind themselves to maintain their cool, keep their heads and retain their focus under serious pressure or provocation.
It wasn't just the captain...it was a collective responsibility.
I think this is something that Poch will hopefully introduce in pre-season.
Vertonghen, Walker, Rose, Dembele got caught up in confrontational situations and in the moments after...whilst still gesticulating, still back chatting, they lost the very players they were supposed to be marking. Their focus had gone.
Vertonghen nearly got caught in the first half and Walker completely lost his man for the second goal.
Both Rose and Walker, despite their undoubted talents, have hot heads...and can lead to outbreaks of petulance and clouded thinking. The emotion overcomes them. This is something they both need to work on further over the close season...and maybe Davies and Trippier are better suited to the powderkeg games.
I love the passion, I love the intent...and I dislike the way Chelsea continuously encourage that 'type' of game.
However, we have to put strategies in place and teach the lads some new skills to coping with these situations if we want to be Champions over the next season or two.
We will be targeted much more next season...and losing points here or there through silly free-kicks, set pieces...or even red cards, will just make the task that much harder.
Put the emotion into your running and determination to close down...and let's have wise and calm heads on young shoulders.
TCUP - Think Clearly Under Pressure.
Players would shout out TCUP to each other at key times to remind themselves to maintain their cool, keep their heads and retain their focus under serious pressure or provocation.
It wasn't just the captain...it was a collective responsibility.
I think this is something that Poch will hopefully introduce in pre-season.
Vertonghen, Walker, Rose, Dembele got caught up in confrontational situations and in the moments after...whilst still gesticulating, still back chatting, they lost the very players they were supposed to be marking. Their focus had gone.
Vertonghen nearly got caught in the first half and Walker completely lost his man for the second goal.
Both Rose and Walker, despite their undoubted talents, have hot heads...and can lead to outbreaks of petulance and clouded thinking. The emotion overcomes them. This is something they both need to work on further over the close season...and maybe Davies and Trippier are better suited to the powderkeg games.
I love the passion, I love the intent...and I dislike the way Chelsea continuously encourage that 'type' of game.
However, we have to put strategies in place and teach the lads some new skills to coping with these situations if we want to be Champions over the next season or two.
We will be targeted much more next season...and losing points here or there through silly free-kicks, set pieces...or even red cards, will just make the task that much harder.
Put the emotion into your running and determination to close down...and let's have wise and calm heads on young shoulders.
