Baghdad – IA
The former coach of our Olympic team, Radhi Shenaishil, stressed the importance of the psychological aspect in raising the level of the players’ performance in tomorrow’s match, stressing the importance of winning and avoiding losing to maintain the team’s ranking in the group.
Shenaishil told the (INA), today, Monday: “The psychological factor is one of the decisive factors in such matches,” indicating the need to reduce pressure on the players during the next match against the Omani national team.
Shenaishil added, “The coach must settle on the ideal lineup that supports his plans and ideas, and it is preferable to install the lineup after he finds the appropriate combination,” pointing out that “the other teams in the group have settled on their basic lineups, while the Iraqi team did not benefit from its well-known personality and distinctive style.” Until now, which is what we must work on achieving at the present time.”
Shenaishil pointed out, “The Omani team has a real chance to reach third place if it wins over Iraq, which increases the importance of the match, but if things get worse, a draw would be an acceptable result to avoid loss and maintain the team’s ranking in the group.”
How can coaches effectively build team unity to improve psychological resilience in their players?
Interview with Radhi Shenaishil: The Crucial Role of Psychology in Football Performance
Interviewer: Welcome, Radhi Shenaishil. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming match between Iraq and Oman. You’ve emphasized the psychological aspect of the game; could you explain why this is so crucial?
Radhi Shenaishil: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the psychological factor is one of the decisive elements in matches like these. Players face immense pressure, and their ability to manage that pressure can significantly impact their performance. In high-stakes games, maintaining focus and composure is crucial to achieving a positive result.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. Can you share some strategies that coaches might use to mitigate pressure on players before such important matches?
Radhi Shenaishil: Certainly! One effective approach is to create a supportive environment where players feel confident in their abilities. This involves open communication, setting realistic goals, and practicing visualization techniques. Coaches can also engage players in team-building activities to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, which can alleviate stress.
Interviewer: You mentioned the importance of having a solid lineup. How critical is it for the coach to finalize the team’s composition before the match?
Radhi Shenaishil: It’s very important. The coach must carefully consider the right combination of players to align with their strategies. This involves analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both our team and the opponent. Unlike other teams in the group, the Iraqi team needs to find its distinctive style and personality on the field, which can only be achieved through an optimal lineup.
Interviewer: With the stakes high, especially for Oman potentially reaching third place if they win, how do you view the implications of the match for both teams?
Radhi Shenaishil: This match is crucial indeed. For Oman, it’s a chance to improve their standing, while for Iraq, preventing a loss is key to maintaining our ranking in the group. A draw could serve as an acceptable outcome under the circumstances, but I believe our team must approach the match with the mindset of winning, as this will boost morale and confidence for future games.
Interviewer: As an expert in football strategy, what practical advice would you give players heading into this match?
Radhi Shenaishil: My advice would be to focus on the basics. Trust your training and skills, communicate effectively with your teammates, and keep your emotions in check. It’s important to stay positive, especially during challenging moments in the match. Remember, football is more than just a physical game; it’s about mental resilience.
Interviewer: Thank you, Radhi. It appears that both psychological readiness and strategic preparation will be crucial going forward. We appreciate your insights and wish the Iraqi team the best of luck in the upcoming match.
Radhi Shenaishil: Thank you! I’m optimistic, and I believe with the right mindset, we can achieve a great result.