Time to Talk — Coaches on Pre-Match Team Talks

Five managers describe how they prepare and deliver a pre-match team talk. Mick Mulhern of Sunderland says he over-prepares for the biggest games and decides on the morning what to use, but still favours an unprepared passionate speech, admitting to a lump in his throat before last year’s cup final against Leeds. Mark Sampson of Bristol Academy describes a planned but adaptable huddle, and recalls working into the early hours with his goalkeeping coach on a motivational video shown with the lights dimmed before an FA Cup semi-final they led 3-0 inside half an hour. John Salomon, Shelley Kerr and Dave Lawrence also contribute, Kerr recalling a half-time talk rendered unnecessary by a Gatorade accident.