The 32 Rules of Massimiliano Allegri (#9 to #12) (Patreon)

9. “The positive thought lowers energy.”

The main takeaway from this rule is that "positive thinking" can lower energy if it leads to complacency or overconfidence. Positive thinking can be helpful in achieving goals, but it should not detract from the desire to win or lead to a lack of mental and physical energy. It is important to stay focused on the present and upcoming challenges, and to set new goals that keep motivation high. Positive thinking should not become a narcissistic exercise in presumed superiority, but rather a tool for growth and improvement.

10. “I do not believe in the concept of maintenance. Instead, I believe in continuous improvement.”

The rule, means that the coach believes that there is always room for improvement, even when a team is performing well. According to the coach, the concept of "maintenance" implies that there is a possibility of regression or stagnation, which he does not believe in. He believes that every experience is an opportunity to move forward and offer the best in the next opportunity. The coach gives examples from his experience, where he admits his mistakes and learns from them to improve in the future. He also emphasizes that improvement is not only necessary when a team loses or draws but also when they win. The coach's philosophy is that improvement should be continuous and ongoing.

11. “If you want to raise performance levels, use creative procrastination.”

The rule means that sometimes taking a break from work and allowing oneself to idle can actually lead to better performance. It's important to find a balance between being productive and taking breaks to avoid burnout. Procrastination, as described by the author, can be a healthy recovery of irony and a way to not take oneself too seriously. However, it's important to regulate idling to avoid being counterproductive. The author believes that alternating between serious work and facetiousness can lead to the best suggestions and make life more interesting and livable. The author personally enjoys idling but also knows that it's important to behave more seriously when needed. The meeting with Giovanni Galeone, a coach, was decisive for the author's coaching career. Giovanni was good at finding the balance between hard work and taking breaks.

12. “The importance of saying only three simple things to players.”

This rule emphasizes the importance of concise and impactful communication between coaches and players. It is essential to regulate the amount of information conveyed to the players and give the right direction immediately. The coach has no more than three minutes to talk to the team during halftime, and it's crucial to use this time efficiently. In the context of a football game, players know when they are in difficulty, and the coach's role is to boost their confidence and energy to transmit it on the field in the second half. The simplicity of the message is critical, and it would depend on the situation, but coaches should focus on giving only three simple things to players that are direct, immediate, and incisive.