However, some managers plan meticulously, but then over-think it & effective communication is lost. In the 2020 final, Southgate spent a mighty 3 min, 30 sec on logistics (e.g., revising notes and deciding about his penalty takers #6-10). Indecisiveness can be contagious. 4/8

The last minutes before penalty shootouts can teach us about managing under pressure. France's Deschamps doesn't buy into penalty training. This can be spotted. In the World Cup final, he seemed clueless about who would shoot. Tchouaméni was picked after intensely scanning. 1/8

Argentina's manager Scaloni has a different view: "We always practice penalties." Ahead of the penalty shootout vs the Netherlands, Scaloni took less than 15 sec to pick 5 penalty takers (Messi was a given). The swift process communicates confidence and that he has a plan. 2/8

Each of the 5 penalty shootouts in the 2022 World Cup was won by teams whose managers spent the shortest time communicating their tactical/logistical instructions after extra time. To be brief under pressure could indicate that important decisions were made in advance. 3/8

Other managers are so traumatised by past penalty experiences that they delegate it all. The Boss' absence speaks volumes. In Qatar, Brazil’s Tite fully removed himself from the group, only leaving his nervous energy. Assistants will never replace the manager's authority. 5/8

Some managers ask for volunteers. This is based on a faulty assumption that players must WANT TO take a penalty & that asking them last minute ensures this. Sets up a situation fizzing w negative social consequences. Japan’s Moriyasu met collective hesitation & doubt. 6/8

RCD Mallorca's Aguierre lightened up this often tense nomination process in the 2024 Copa Del Rey final by infusing it with positive energy (play w sound). Captivating & vibrant, but could dilute focus. Mallorca missed 2 & lost. Would love to see this tested in the Euros. 7/8

In my new book Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shootout, there is a full chapter on management under high pressure. This post gave a teaser. See the book for details, principles & lessons for managers (also outside of football): 8/8

These people make millions . Screw their feelings

This is weird one for me. Southgate subbed Rashford and Sancho at 120' solely for penalty. Kane and Saka was locked because they take PK at their clubs, so what took so long? Rashford and Sancho both missed was the cherry on top.