We Do Not Blame the Goalkeeper
Liverpool got knocked out of the champions league, and Klopp is setting a different, no-blame, narrative
It’s the goalkeeper’s fault.
This week Liverpool were beaten by Atletico Madrid after extra-time and, following an amazing two-year run that included two finals and a win, were knocked out of the Champions League.
It was an intense game and the tie was level at 1–1 after ninety minutes. Then, the tired legs and minds of extra-time hit. On 94 minutes Firmino scored, Liverpool went ahead and were winning the tie. Three minutes later it all changed. A goalkeeping error, an away goal, and the confidence was sucked out of what had been an incredible performance. The collective groan was palpable and more mistakes followed. Liverpool lost 2–3 on the night and 2–4 overall, but the outstanding media narrative from Jurgen Klopp is one that exemplifies emotional intelligence.
We don’t blame the goalkeeper.
Why does it matter?
Team sports are like organizations, except that when you have a bad day and an estimated 713 million supporters are collectively groaning, the limbic system takes over and there is a call for blood. But why isn’t Klopp blaming the goalkeeper? It was his mistake — a poor kick out, that lead to the goal and turned the tie.
The narrative at Liverpool is that the team is more than the sum of its parts. And, that has been carefully maintained over the last four years. This is easy to do when things are going well, but when things go wrong we often want to finger point. But no primadonna’s also means no scapegoats. We win as a team, and we lose as a team too. It’s curious that arguably the best team attack in Europe was knocked out by the best team defense.
Blame is the power of the powerless.
There are so many moments in team sports and organizations when things can go wrong and you miss the mark. Resentment fosters and a “should” culture can set in.
Andy Robertson *should* have finished that headed chance that went off the underside of the bar.
Sadio Mane *should* not have wasted that shot in extra time.
Mohammed Salah *should* have finished better on the night.
Alison Becker, the first choice goalie and one of the best in the world, *should* have played.
The trouble is that *shoulds* don’t help anyone. They don’t help to change the narrative from hurt and blame into learning and progression. We need to *shoulder* the burden, not *should* it.
When someone in your team or your organization or your family makes mistakes: Hold them accountable for their attitude and their behavior, but be forgiving of their mistakes and accepting of their willingness to make amends. And, if they aren’t remorseful and you are the leader, then make a clear judgment call about what you want for the future and make a choice. But don’t point fingers, you’ll be operating in the past out of the limbic system, and ignoring the most evolved part of the human brain.
And we desperately need our leaders to evolve beyond blame.
Thanks, Jurgen.
