Insights from elite soccer players: understanding the downward spiral and the complex dynamics of crises

Abstract

This study focused on identifying the factors that lead to prolonged crises in soccer teams and how players view the development of these crises. A qualitative analysis of interviews with six current and three former professional soccer players revealed that the failure to meet team expectations is often the starting point of crises, which can impact both individual and team levels. The issues at the individual level include anxiety, pressure, lack of self-confidence, somatic manifestations, negative body language, loss of motivation, rumination, and self-focus. At the team level, conflicts arise, the team atmosphere deteriorates, which is reflected in impaired communication and lack of cohesion. During soccer matches, on-field behavior frequently evolves into a more defensive mindset and a desire to avoid mistakes and responsibility, resulting in lower team performance. Poor results usually ensue, perpetuating and even intensifying the crisis process which players refer to as a vicious circle, negative spiral, or vortex. Societal factors such as media landscape, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, club structures, or fans, and individual factors such as crisis experiences, players’ resilience, family cohesion, or support from friends affect the development of crises. The study’s insights illustrate the negative impacts of pressure on the team’s emotional state and social interaction, leading to a downward spiral, and thus, reinforcing the crisis process. The study concludes that crisis management training and support should focus on managing expectations, promoting positive affective states, and supporting healthy motivation among team members, and should expand coaches’ crisis competency training.