When teams apply the surprise effect to change game dynamics, it’s usually during the match itself. With the emphasis on “usually”.
Valerenga’s manager – Ronny Deila – went naked during his team talk before a game against SK Brann, hoping to inspire his players to play with a little more freedom. After a run of seven league matches without a win in Norway’s top division, they won their match 2-1.
“I don’t know if it was pretty, but it worked well,” said one player, according to the Guardian report.
Although the disrobing was designed as an inspirational metaphor for the desired approach on the pitch, its effect inevitably benefited from the surprise element. As Deila himself said:
“I cannot do it every time. Then it loses the surprise effect.”
Wise words.
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