Motivation

[Ric Flair]

It will be interesting to see how fired up Leicester are tomorrow, with it being regarded as a derby! I have often pondered why Craig doesn't seem to be able to get the lads fired up, but hearing him speak probably tells all why. The thing is, in certain games we do look fired up and is that because of Levein's motivational skills or just because the players are up for a match? Either way Levein should be commanding this from the players on a regular basis.

There are two games that spring to mind where the team have been so fired up it's been a joy to watch. The first one was Charlton away, now a big cup match will always get the players chomping at the bit but if I was a manager and I saw them struggling to repeat the same determination in a normal league match i'd ****in throttle them. The Charlton game was one of very few occasions last season where I enjoyed myself and actually felt proud of the players.

The second time the players have seemed up for it was the Celtic friendly this season, again I can probably answer why alot of them were up for it considering nearly half of the team have played north of the border and relish playing against or for the Old Firm. That game really gave me a false sense of hope because we played a pressing game and all the players were fighting for the cause and not giving Celtic a moment on the ball. I really thought Levein had cracked it in pre-season and would demand this style of play in every game, but i've not seen it at all since.

Now who's fault is it? Is it the managers fault for not motivating the goons to play in a similar way to what we've seen them do in the examples given. Or is it the players fault for not taking on board what the manager wants them to do? I appreciate the players can't always play to their best and perform like that, but they should atleast be motivated enough to give 110% and battle away giving the opposition no time what so ever on the ball.

Under O'Neill when we lost games, you would still see the team fighting all the way and giving themselves a chance to get something from the game even if it was only pride. How many times did we come back from the dead to nick a point or even 3 points, that was our moto and reputation. It's really one of the only ways a team with resources like ours can survive, striving to rustle a few feathers and punching above our weight. These players should want to play for Leicester and want to play well for them, there's probably only a handful of players who you could honestly say look genuinly pleased to be playing for Leicester and alot of those are nippers who are desperate to play football.

I don't really know where i'm going with this, but i've never been able to work out why some teams seem motivated and some don't. Motivation is probably 50% of what makes a team successful, I know it's probably not as easy as it sounds and managers are busy out there everyday trying to motivate their players but when you've got some talented players in your team and they aren't punching above their weight it's hard to stomach.

I hope 2/3 years down the line we still have a core of current players in our team who have earned the right to play for Leicester City and have built up a rapport with the fans that is currently missing at this club.

Peace, innit.

[The People's Hero]

Motivation is key. If Levein isn't a natural motivator, we should get someone in alongside him who is.

[Thracian]

It will be interesting to see how fired up Leicester are tomorrow, with it being regarded as a derby! I have often pondered why Craig doesn't seem to be able to get the lads fired up, but hearing him speak probably tells all why. The thing is, in certain games we do look fired up and is that because of Levein's motivational skills or just because the players are up for a match? Either way Levein should be commanding this from the players on a regular basis.

There are two games that spring to mind where the team have been so fired up it's been a joy to watch. The first one was Charlton away, now a big cup match will always get the players chomping at the bit but if I was a manager and I saw them struggling to repeat the same determination in a normal league match i'd ****in throttle them. The Charlton game was one of very few occasions last season where I enjoyed myself and actually felt proud of the players.

The second time the players have seemed up for it was the Celtic friendly this season, again I can probably answer why alot of them were up for it considering nearly half of the team have played north of the border and relish playing against or for the Old Firm. That game really gave me a false sense of hope because we played a pressing game and all the players were fighting for the cause and not giving Celtic a moment on the ball. I really thought Levein had cracked it in pre-season and would demand this style of play in every game, but i've not seen it at all since.

Now who's fault is it? Is it the managers fault for not motivating the goons to play in a similar way to what we've seen them do in the examples given. Or is it the players fault for not taking on board what the manager wants them to do? I appreciate the players can't always play to their best and perform like that, but they should atleast be motivated enough to give 110% and battle away giving the opposition no time what so ever on the ball.

Under O'Neill when we lost games, you would still see the team fighting all the way and giving themselves a chance to get something from the game even if it was only pride. How many times did we come back from the dead to nick a point or even 3 points, that was our moto and reputation. It's really one of the only ways a team with resources like ours can survive, striving to rustle a few feathers and punching above our weight. These players should want to play for Leicester and want to play well for them, there's probably only a handful of players who you could honestly say look genuinly pleased to be playing for Leicester and alot of those are nippers who are desperate to play football.

I don't really know where i'm going with this, but i've never been able to work out why some teams seem motivated and some don't. Motivation is probably 50% of what makes a team successful, I know it's probably not as easy as it sounds and managers are busy out there everyday trying to motivate their players but when you've got some talented players in your team and they aren't punching above their weight it's hard to stomach.

I hope 2/3 years down the line we still have a core of current players in our team who have earned the right to play for Leicester City and have built up a rapport with the fans that is currently missing at this club.

Peace, innit.

Confidence is another thing that aids motivation...and we just don't have it at the moment cos we're not making our own luck.

Part of the reason is the constant change of tactics and personnel and, when you're losing 1-0 or drawing games you should have won, players become uncertain, afraid to make a slip because the game will probably hinge on it.

Levein needs to make things simple. Decide on a positive system involving our best players and have faith in it. Of course, if the opposition has an outstanding talent or two giant strikers you may have to adjust things slighly to take that into acount but generally Levein should stop worrying about the opposition and let them worry about us.

Tell the player he wants them to go for two or three goals minimum a game and gear all his decisions to that end. Then all he will need to do in the dressing room is constantly re-emphasise the aims for the day and concentrate on lifting indivudal players, persuading them that he won't be judging them on individual mistakes but their overall imput.

Fearful players have no effect. People have gotta know that they can try things, take people on, play the risky pass so long as it is in attacking areas and other players appreciate their responsibility to back-up the guy on the ball.

Top teams like Chelsea may have players brilliant enough to adjust to all sorts of changes in approach (although even Morinho seems to make constancy his key foundation stone) but Championhip players are not so versatile they need a single system that becomes part of the club and which builds the comeraderie which makes motivation easier to effect.

And if we still fall short Levein would lose nothing in status by drafting in a motivator to help him - or an inventive coach who also happens to be good at motivation.

In my experience every manager needs the assistance of specialists and assistants who he can trust and who are effective in what they do. This team is evolving before our eyes. It needs the shackles taking off. Very quickly then, providing we go for 2/3 goals a game we will be getting the luck cos the match won't depend on one slip or one lucky deflection.

We will start winning by a distance, confidence will grow and we won't look back.

Although both are possible, we could more easily go down with the emphasis on defence than atttack (because you get next-to-nothing for no goals) so it is obvious that an attacking strategy is the way forward.

But not a half-hearted one. We must gear the whole side to attack. All the defenders must be capable of scoring like Stearman and Sheehan, the midfielders too like Hughes, Hume and undoubtedly Ryan Smith and the strikers obviously.

If Levein has a choice between two near-equal players he should go for the one who is most creative, most capable of pinching a goal. Fans will soon see the team start to buzz then.

[Manwell Pablo]

It will be interesting to see how fired up Leicester are tomorrow, with it being regarded as a derby! I have often pondered why Craig doesn't seem to be able to get the lads fired up, but hearing him speak probably tells all why. The thing is, in certain games we do look fired up and is that because of Levein's motivational skills or just because the players are up for a match? Either way Levein should be commanding this from the players on a regular basis.

There are two games that spring to mind where the team have been so fired up it's been a joy to watch. The first one was Charlton away, now a big cup match will always get the players chomping at the bit but if I was a manager and I saw them struggling to repeat the same determination in a normal league match i'd ****in throttle them. The Charlton game was one of very few occasions last season where I enjoyed myself and actually felt proud of the players.

The second time the players have seemed up for it was the Celtic friendly this season, again I can probably answer why alot of them were up for it considering nearly half of the team have played north of the border and relish playing against or for the Old Firm. That game really gave me a false sense of hope because we played a pressing game and all the players were fighting for the cause and not giving Celtic a moment on the ball. I really thought Levein had cracked it in pre-season and would demand this style of play in every game, but i've not seen it at all since.

Now who's fault is it? Is it the managers fault for not motivating the goons to play in a similar way to what we've seen them do in the examples given. Or is it the players fault for not taking on board what the manager wants them to do? I appreciate the players can't always play to their best and perform like that, but they should atleast be motivated enough to give 110% and battle away giving the opposition no time what so ever on the ball.

Under O'Neill when we lost games, you would still see the team fighting all the way and giving themselves a chance to get something from the game even if it was only pride. How many times did we come back from the dead to nick a point or even 3 points, that was our moto and reputation. It's really one of the only ways a team with resources like ours can survive, striving to rustle a few feathers and punching above our weight. These players should want to play for Leicester and want to play well for them, there's probably only a handful of players who you could honestly say look genuinly pleased to be playing for Leicester and alot of those are nippers who are desperate to play football.

I don't really know where i'm going with this, but i've never been able to work out why some teams seem motivated and some don't. Motivation is probably 50% of what makes a team successful, I know it's probably not as easy as it sounds and managers are busy out there everyday trying to motivate their players but when you've got some talented players in your team and they aren't punching above their weight it's hard to stomach.

I hope 2/3 years down the line we still have a core of current players in our team who have earned the right to play for Leicester City and have built up a rapport with the fans that is currently missing at this club.

Peace, innit.

To be quite honest I think us the fans could do alot more to motivate the team and get behind them more. The Walkers has all the atmosphere of a Morge. Everyone feels down at the minute and that will have a affect on the players. Its also down to Levien and the players themselves but before we go throwing blame around I think we should take a long hard look at the suppourt we offer the players and the manger ( you dont know what your doing at Levien, what a great chant )

I honestly think if we go to pride park in force and get right behind the team you will see a marked improvement. Also think a few wins are in order to motivate the team, also think getting some stabilty in the starting XI would help.

[Guest]

To be quite honest I think us the fans could do alot more to motivate the team and get behind them more. The Walkers has all the atmosphere of a Morge. Everyone feels down at the minute and that will have a affect on the players. Its also down to Levien and the players themselves but before we go throwing blame around I think we should take a long hard look at the suppourt we offer the players and the manger ( you dont know what your doing at Levien, what a great chant )

I honestly think if we go to pride park in force and get right behind the team you will see a marked improvement. Also think a few wins are in order to motivate the team, also think getting some stabilty in the starting XI would help.

Swings and roundabouts. If the team isn't performing on the pitch, it can have a negative affect on the fans, and vice versa.

I keep trying to make some noise!!

[Wellman]

Tiatto will be fired up as usual, hopefully he'll play

[The People's Hero]

Tiatto will be fired up as usual, hopefully he'll play

I personally hope he doesn't play for us again. The man is a liability and comes at the expense of team shape.

[Thracian]

I'd love someone to tell me what Tiatto adds to the side.

He's got heart, no denying that, but what does he add in a footballing sense.

Creativity: no.

Retainer of the ball: no.

Goals: no.

Creates space for others: no.

He is always a liability with his inclination to get booked and leave himself and his team on terterhooks for the rest of the game.

As many have said, he forever moves infield when asked to paly wide (and besides, both Hammill and Wilcox are better attacking side players.

So what does he offer?. Spirit.

Has Joey got no spirit just cos he doesn't go round fouling everyone?

Has Kisnorbo got no spirit cos he uses just as much energy but legally?.

And what about Hughes and Hume?. Spirit there in abundance.

Sorry but Tiatto's like Neanderthal man. He's out of date for this team in my view.

Not that others can't LEARN from his never say die attitude and not that he isn't a reasonable substitute to have around IF he'll learn to stay within the rules and to do the job that he's asked to do.

[Gené and Tonic]

A perfect summary Thracian!

[Wellman]

TIA TIA TIATTO! TIATTO TIATTO! TIA TIA TIATTO TIA TIATTO O!

[Scow]

I'd love someone to tell me what Tiatto adds to the side.

He's got heart, no denying that, but what does he add in a footballing sense.

Creativity: no.

Retainer of the ball: no.

Goals: no.

Creates space for others: no.

He is always a liability with his inclination to get booked and leave himself and his team on terterhooks for the rest of the game.

As many have said, he forever moves infield when asked to paly wide (and besides, both Hammill and Wilcox are better attacking side players.

So what does he offer?. Spirit.

Has Joey got no spirit just cos he doesn't go round fouling everyone?

Has Kisnorbo got no spirit cos he uses just as much energy but legally?.

And what about Hughes and Hume?. Spirit there in abundance.

Sorry but Tiatto's like Neanderthal man. He's out of date for this team in my view.

Not that others can't LEARN from his never say die attitude and not that he isn't a reasonable substitute to have around IF he'll learn to stay within the rules and to do the job that he's asked to do.

Agreed - Wellman just can't counteract that.

[Hoof Fox]

I thought the fans were superb early on in the season, there was little or no negativity towards the team even after the disappointment of getting beaten 4-1 on the opening day, or drawing 0-0 at home to Ipswich or 2-2 away to Crewe, and the reason for that IMO was due to the fact that we were being entertained and we could see the team were having a real go and playing attractive football, the problem was CL got twitchy, we werent picking up enough points and we were vunerable at the back, he then reverts back to his more favoured defensive tactics, cue less goals, little benefit in terms of results and the return of the more direct football, now the fans are starting to get fustrated.

I was very positive early on in the season, we appeared to be making progress and playing good football as well and I could see that if CL had persevered we would have eradicated the defensive errors and started to win games.

It is almost torture to witness the early games and then compare to our current tactics, we were teased and spoilt in those early games and it now feels like "Here's how you could have played".

CL IMO has bottled it, and that is what disappoints me the most because I have really backed Levein and want him to be a success, he has surprised me in the way he has reacted this season, he always appeared to be very single minded and determined yet recently he appears to be panickong and chopping and changing almost out of desperation. He should have stuck by his early season tactics, the team is more suited to high energy, pass and move attacking football, rather than the one dimensional stand like statues and hit crossfield punts and hope for the best, I have witnessed these tactics more and more as the season has gone on.

Go on Craig be brave and go for it again, from 1st minute to last, because you will be backed and supported by the fans and without doubt we will win far more than we lose. And start to climb the table, as last season proved and our more recent run the hoof does not work. We showed real potential early on and I cannot understand how Levein has allowed it to turn so sour so quickly.

[The People's Hero]

I actually agree that CL bottled it and this will be a controversial view but I think that once a manager gets twitchy and bottles it like that it's difficult to go back. I just wish we had got better results and stuck with the attacking stuff because Levein has no conviction and was never going to continue the system when we weren't picking up many points.