Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool got the better of Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea in a penalty shootout yet again, beating them 6-5 to lift the FA Cup.
Sports psychologist Geir Jordet gave a nine-point explanation as to how Klopp was better than Tuchel during the break before the penalty shootout and how he helped calm the nerves within the squad.
He wrote on Twitter: "Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties in the FA Cup final. A penalty shootout is a psychological game starting with how the manager communicates with his players after the final whistle. Klopp & Tuchel spent those 5 minutes very differently. Here are the events chronologically.
"At around 60 seconds after the final whistle, Klopp already has made his selection and approaches each penalty taker to tell/ask him what shot to take. He does this one-on-one and often cements his ask with his trademark HUG. The asking process is intimate, safe, and loving.
"At 1.30 min, Klopp is done with his rounds, the team is gathered in a huddle, and he gives a short but passionate speech. At 1.45, he finishes and the team breaks up the huddle. At 1.50 min, Tuchel is still revising his notes, and eventually making his way into the huddle.
"Tuchel spent the first 1-2 minutes seemingly revising his selection, and (probably) from the corner of his eye sees that Liverpool has already finished their huddle before Chelsea has even started it. He then moves to the middle of the circle BEFORE he is done with the plan.
"Entering the circle of players before you've completed the selection is what happened to Gareth Southgate in the 2021 Euros final β youβre late, not ready, become reactive, and what could have been a smooth final reminder to the team becomes erratic, rushed & stressed.
"In the huddle, Tuchel then asks players about the shots, publicly in front of the whole team. There's plenty of group pressure when done in this way, the chance of honest responses from the players drops, and it creates further stress that carries on to the shootout itself.
"While Tuchel is still in the process of selecting and asking his players, Klopp has finished all his administrative duties and spends his time spreading warmth, love and good energy; even taking a moment to have a laugh with Van Dijk.
"Because Liverpool finished their huddle early, they step into the mid circle first, and get to pick position. They pick the side closest to their bench, which enables staff to give further instructions during the shootout & maintains closeness to the warmth of the manager.
"JΓΌrgen Kloppβs Monsters of mentality are not born, theyβre made. Proactive preparation, composed execution, and warm/loving communication tend to give the best possible foundation for performance under extreme pressure. Liverpool was up 1-0 before the shootout had even begun."
