Goalkeeping: Playing in a weakened team

It is an inevitable part of football, that at some point or another you will be standing behind players whom are not perhaps the strongest that your Club can field. Unless you play at the Elite level, then it can be rightly assumed that most Team Managers have an idea of their strongest eleven, and use the remainder of the squad for tactical, potentially game changing or support purposes.

When you see the Team Sheet or hear the manager announce the side during the Pre-Match, then it is sometimes hard to prepare yourself mentally, knowing full well that you could be in for an interesting game!

First and foremost, keep your feelings to yourself! It may sound stupid, but people will automatically look to you should you voice an opinion as you are one of the talismans for the side. Any emotional wobble from you now has the potential to undermine your team’s mentality.

Secondly, accept the challenge! There are times when life throws us a curve ball, and it is how we accept that challenge that dictates the outcome – if we cower away from any challenge then it will inevitably beat us, yet if we accept every challenge with vigour then we have the power to dictate the outcome.

Finally, know the weak spots and protect them. Without blatantly exposing your emotions, you need to ensure that any potential weak area has enough protection and support to carry you through the game. Encouragement and positive advice all help to galvanise your side, so ensure that none of your communication, verbal or physical, is defeatist and that you lead your players into believing you are going to win.

In times like this, it is essential that the more experienced players step up and inspire those around them. Even though you are a long way from the majority of the action, how you look and sound will affect your team mates.

Make sure that you know the formation, and that you fully understand exactly what your manager expects from his players at any given time. This will help you to organise from the back and actually to coach during play. Unlike goalkeepers, all outfielders are simple and need guidance(!) so your tactical knowledge and awareness will help to ensure that discipline is maintained at all times.

Stay positive, for when in the face of adversity is also when the greatest results are achieved.