retired_ysl238

That's what I noticed as well. Whenever I said I expected to win, 2/3 players always said that they were feeling nervous about the next match. By saying no comment to the media, no players had any nerves/negative comments and all seemed to produce decent performances. I will have to see how saying no comment to the media works for me in the prem with my Norwich team.

retired_monica90

Fortunately I don't have many nervous players, so I'm not sure how to relax them. As you say though- if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it.

However, you should try and find out what works for them in case morale drops. The most relaxing/low expectation option would be the place to start I guess.

retired_ysl238

Maybe I will try and experiment, but as you said I really don't want to rock the boat at the moment. My morale was really down before I started making no comment to the media. Obviously it went up because I was winning matches, but saying no comment really seemed to trigger my 12 game unbeaten run in the league. I found it weird because the players who had previosly been nervous before a match, suddenly started to be fired up after I said no comment. Crazy world of football I guess.

retired_otto

As Asmodeus said you have to guage the personality of your players.

I find that 'no comment' is gereally best if morale is high as it doesn't affect it one way or the other.

However I know that if I choose any of the other comments this will affect different players depending upon their personality. So if player X has low morale and he's a key player in the squad who will be needed in the forthcoming match I choose the option that improves his morale (fired up or eagerly anticipating). Of course this may mean that I will have to rotate some of my other players who's morale will drop as a consequence of this action.

So in conclusion, current morale and your 'next opponent' scout reports may have a bearing on the choice you make. i.e. if you need quick defenders or tall target man etc.

retired_monica90

You got them fired up without having to say anything? :cool:

Did they have "PR" next to their name?

retired_ysl238

yes mate that's what happened. Dickson Etuhu always used to be nervous after I made comments. But when I said nothing, a couple of times it came up PR and said he was really fired up or eagerly anticipating playing team x. Seems weird but so far it's working for me. So far in my new season I've won 4 out of 4 friendles so far. Beat Club Brugge 4-0 away and Milan 4-0 at home. Maybe I've found a good tactic after all. My next 3 friendlies are against Barcelona, R.Madrid and Inter, all at home. I'll let you know how I go.

retired_monica90

Perhaps you have a David Moyes/Pierluigi Collina stare that PSYCHES your players up.

retired_toiwoods

It does seem that 'No COmment' is the best option or at least the one that doesnt have a negative effect on any player.

I recently had a spat with Gareth Southgate, he stated in the media that after our 0-0 draw he didnt think we were title contenders even though i was still 3 points clear. I reacted but telling the media i thought he would take Boro' down.

4 players (all continental ) said i was unprofessional with my comments and 2 players (both English Micah Richards, Tom huddlestone) both said they thought they would be able to work well with me as we have the same attitude.

Anyone else experienced foriegn players getting sh!tty??

retired_nicole2401

It's because continentals are professional and english players are unprofessional.

retired_toiwoods

I suppose i would have to agree with you with Jose Mourinho being the exception. He is very outspoken!!