Key to victory is all in the mind – boss

Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 18 April 2014


STRONG minds can overcome tiredness, says Oldham Athletic manager Lee Johnson — a self-proclaimed master of mentally hacking away at the opposition.

As half of Yeovil’s diminutive central midfield pairing with Darren Way in the Conference, Johnson would talk loudly and in unflattering terms of an opponent’s lack of stomach for the fight.

And as a manager, the 32 year old wants to outlaw friendly hugs in pre-match warm-ups — as well as chants from fans about still-popular ex-players.

“I hate it when I see before a game players cuddling their mates on the opposition team,” he explained.

“Which is why I was upset when our crowd was singing Jose Baxter’s name during the game at Sheffield United. Do what you want before and after, but during the game the fans are part of our team, to get in the minds and demoralise the opposition.”

Johnson, who joined his squad en route to Colchester this morning, said of his opponent: “I would do anything I could to put him off his game. Sometimes verbal, sometimes physical. Sometimes I would do two or three outrageous runs that were not really on, just to demoralise my tired opponent.

“You tell him he looks tired. Anything that can be done should be done.

“There are a lot of weak-minded players in League One. You see the same sort of goals going in as you do the Premier League. There isn’t an awful lot of difference. Perhaps a bit of athleticism, but it is about the mindset and mental strength to produce quality on a regular basis.

“Me and Darren Way started as kids playing against experienced players in the Conference who just wanted to kick us, as we were two 5ft4in central midfielders.

“We played on that. It’s little things; giving a nudge early, looking in someone’s eyes, questioning whether they are up for it today, running them if they are not fit.”

Johnson believes that verbal sparring on the field is a dying art - one best performed by those from less-privileged, more streetwise backgrounds.

“You can win a game in the tunnel. You really can.”