Domenech’s System

Every coach must have some kind of a system or method in coaching a team. Most of these systems, or strategies, or whatever you might call them are invisible. Domenech uses astrology in his preparations to coach a team.

A newspaper reported that Raymond Domenech left out two players only because they were said to be “Scorpions” (Giuly and Pires). According to Domenech, “the scorpion is a sign that will end up killing itself.” (1)

“It’s the Scorpion which symbolizes Scorpios, and it’s no accident…. they are quite the executives … and see to it that things go forward… Fearless Scorpions rarely lose, per se, they just keep on going, since they are stubborn and determined to succeed… (2)

On the astrology site I could find anything how the scorpion fits in a team. As the previous passage explains, the scorpion often takes the Executive role and that is not (always) helping the team spirit.

Although astrology is not a science it is widely used and comprises a complete “system” in which a person’s behavior is explained. Than it is odd that for a match a specific sign -like in this case the scorpion - is left out.

For those who know little about astrology would argue that Giuly is a player who helped Barcelona to win the league in Spain in 2005.

The advantage of using a system when coaching is that it eases the communication. Astrology focuses on four main types in two dimensions and this can be explained easily. Even when people don’t believe in astrology, a team-design explained by a combination of signs (water, fire, earth and air) can serve as a tool in the discussion.

But this is only the beginning, the “squad selection”. During the game the design must be evaluated and then it comes back to the performance of the player, signs lose their value in the operation, I think.

If I read the description of the scorpion I wonder whether a scorpion wouldn’t favor the French team somehow.