Disclaimer: Not here to roll Patrick Roy, but I’d like to teach something through an example he has provided…
If you haven’t seen this clip, click it…
https://twitter.com/MissinCurfew/status/1749141838827843752
This is what I call the illusion of coaching.
Anytime normal people from the comments can glean:
“He cares so much.”
“Look how intense he is, the players will love it.”
“Those guys are really going to respect him with his level of energy.”
Yes, those all may be true but this is also why so many coaches like Gareth Southgate, Don Granato, Jessie Marsch, and a slew of other coaches who are doing it ‘authentic to them’ get crucified in the media for ‘not caring.’
Because we are shown these clips, over and over from the Old Guard.
This is not coaching.
This is the illusion of coaching.
He doesn’t care any more or less than this guy…
Drew, how can you say that!? One guy is banging his stick and speaking with authority and the other guy is quietly sitting on a soccer ball…
I hear you and I’m still going to double down… Ready?
Contrary to popular belief, Pep is more intense in this posture than Roy is banging his stick on the ice.
Okay, now you’ve lost me!!! I hear you… I do.
But… here’s reality.
Pep can see more of what’s going on with a calmer, wider awareness.
Intensity and ‘signaled intensity for the cameras’ narrows your vision, a non-attached awareness widens your vision.
Roy is ready to explode if he doesn’t see the 1 thing he’s focused on.
Pep is ready to teach if any of the 5 concepts within his practice activity aren’t up to standard.
Roy is signaling that he cares. Forces has to do that.
Power doesn’t need to defend its actions to the media or absolve itself of insecurity by ‘faking’ intensity. Power doesn’t need defense.
Looking the part is for the media.
Being what is required to make great coaching interventions is for the players.
Signal it or be it… Up to you.