Putting passion into the beautiful game
After England’s dismal failure in Germany, new manager Steve McClaren had a novel answer to the country’s footballing prayers this week: passion.
The ‘p’ word seems to be a panacea that at once distances him from his undemonstrative predecessor, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and ingratiates himself with England’s die hard fans – who are, of course, ‘passionate’ themselves.
It’s an interesting strategy. Steve McClaren made a point of saying the word. His new captain, John Terry, said it several times, underlining the change of direction it seems to point to. Without criticising Eriksson, McClaren’s first press conference before his first game in charge seemed to establish a new tone of voice, in marked contrast to the luke warm approach exemplified by Sven.
However, his declaration that: ‘I like width, I like pace, I like penetration,’ and John Terry’s revelation that he heard he was to be the new captain while having a massage, conjured up images of a rather different sort of passion. As we know, Mr Erikkson did have a passionate side, which was rarely, if ever, displayed in public.
In business management, too, passion is sometimes spoken of as a useful characteristic for leaders and an essential one for entrepreneurs. It can be inspirational, lead people to achieve great things and lend intensity to any activity.
Fine. But if you don’t live it, it’s just a word. How many employees raise their eyes to the skies when they’re told that they are to be ‘consulted’ with, only to find that a decision has already been taken? Organisations, like individuals, need to mean what they say and say what they mean if they are to have credibility.
It’s well known that England’s new man has had media training, and judging by his first performance, it seems to be money well spent. Only time will tell, though, whether McClaren lives out his passionate dream. While Meg Ryan’s famous public ‘orgasm’ in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ may prove me wrong, I think that passion is pretty hard to fake, especially over a sustained period of time.
It’s also worth remembering that Kevin Keegan was widely regarded as a very passionate England manager, but look what happened to him. Would passion be enough to beat Portugal – or anyone for that matter - on penalties? Skill, composure and confidence probably count for rather a lot, too.
As the fashion designer, Coco Chanel, once put it, rather sadly: “Passion always goes, and boredom stays.” If that’s true, maybe it’s best not to think of Euro 2008. The new Premiership season starts this weekend. That’s passion for you.
The ‘p’ word seems to be a panacea that at once distances him from his undemonstrative predecessor, Sven-Goran Eriksson, and ingratiates himself with England’s die hard fans – who are, of course, ‘passionate’ themselves.
It’s an interesting strategy. Steve McClaren made a point of saying the word. His new captain, John Terry, said it several times, underlining the change of direction it seems to point to. Without criticising Eriksson, McClaren’s first press conference before his first game in charge seemed to establish a new tone of voice, in marked contrast to the luke warm approach exemplified by Sven.
However, his declaration that: ‘I like width, I like pace, I like penetration,’ and John Terry’s revelation that he heard he was to be the new captain while having a massage, conjured up images of a rather different sort of passion. As we know, Mr Erikkson did have a passionate side, which was rarely, if ever, displayed in public.
In business management, too, passion is sometimes spoken of as a useful characteristic for leaders and an essential one for entrepreneurs. It can be inspirational, lead people to achieve great things and lend intensity to any activity.
Fine. But if you don’t live it, it’s just a word. How many employees raise their eyes to the skies when they’re told that they are to be ‘consulted’ with, only to find that a decision has already been taken? Organisations, like individuals, need to mean what they say and say what they mean if they are to have credibility.
It’s well known that England’s new man has had media training, and judging by his first performance, it seems to be money well spent. Only time will tell, though, whether McClaren lives out his passionate dream. While Meg Ryan’s famous public ‘orgasm’ in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ may prove me wrong, I think that passion is pretty hard to fake, especially over a sustained period of time.
It’s also worth remembering that Kevin Keegan was widely regarded as a very passionate England manager, but look what happened to him. Would passion be enough to beat Portugal – or anyone for that matter - on penalties? Skill, composure and confidence probably count for rather a lot, too.
As the fashion designer, Coco Chanel, once put it, rather sadly: “Passion always goes, and boredom stays.” If that’s true, maybe it’s best not to think of Euro 2008. The new Premiership season starts this weekend. That’s passion for you.
posted by Gary Ward at 4:00 PM
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