What we need is a shrink
Without a Narey or Sturrock to call upon, Paatelainen admits he could use a sports psychologist to rally his ailing troops
IN lieu of a David Narey, might a Frasier Crane do the trick? At this stage of proceedings, beset by crisis and assaulted from all sides by undermining doubts, a little deep analysis and cognitive behavioural therapy might not be the worst idea for Dundee United.
Mixu Paatelainen is a big fan of sports psychology, having previously made use of it not just to drag performances out of players, but to improve his own handling of the stressful situations that abound in football management.
As he seeks a way to transform a team who have won just twice all season, and only once since his arrival as Jackie McNamara’s replacement in October, the fiery Finn is willing to try just about anything.
‘I do believe in sports psychology and it’ s something I’ ve been thinking about a lot,’ confessed Paatelainen. ‘Psychology in general is great.
‘I don’t believe in group psychology. Everybody is unique, different — and everyone reacts differently to each situation. So it has to be a one-on-one session with a psychologist. That is definitely something I’m looking at.
‘It’s something I’ve always been interested in. I’ ve had many meetings with people from that area to help me treat players right and be stronger in situations. So it’s definitely something we need to look at — and do something about.’
Oh, how much easier life would be if big Mixu could call upon the calibre of men — enormous characters, as well as superb footballers — he found on his arrival at United as a raw striker almost 30 years ago.
Only slightly reluctantly nudged into nostalgia as a conversation about mentality drifted towards past giants of Tannadice, Paatelainen said: ‘I think of course there are traits these guys had that we would like — because those players you mentioned, guys like David Narey, were winners.
‘They were fantastic footballers and very successful with the club. But it’s not just footballing ability that makes a great player — it is mental toughness.
‘And calmness, which comes with toughness. It’s everything.
‘So, absolutely, there were plenty of examples of those types of players, fighters. Some are more quiet, like big David Narey, a real leader and fantastic footballer who was so strong, never fazed by anything.
‘They were all fighters. Let’s not go there naming names — everybody. We were a very united team, all fighters, even though I was the quiet young Finnish player sitting in the corner. No, I was!
‘It was a very vocal dressing room with strong characters. Eamonn Bannon, how could you forget him?
He was fantastic in the dressing room and on the pitch, a real leader.
‘We had Paul Sturrock, loads of others. But let’s not wander too far down memory lane.
‘Those were the successful years — now we’re in a dogfight. But you are right, we could do with those characters in the dressing room. And their ability.’
Of particular concern to Paatelainen — a head of a potentially disastrous trip to Airdrie in the Scottish Cup and then a visit from champions Celtic in the league — is United’s inability to hold a lead. They have been ahead in their last three fixtures, only to slip to a draw in Inverness, defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle — and then an agonising derby loss at Dens Park last Saturday.
‘Yes, of course that concerns me if that happens,’ said the experienced manager, who enjoyed spells at Hibs, Kilmarnock and with the Finnish national team before arriving at United.
‘We want to be tougher, mentality-wise. I think we’re improving on that front. The players realise that there are certain moments during the game when they really need to show strength and do things right, footballing-wise, instead of getting a little bit complacent.
‘You can’t think: “Oh yeah, we’ve got a goal now, we’re fine now”. That’s definitely something that we must stop. We must be stronger in those situations. That’s important.’
Paatelainen made experience a key criteria in the four free-agent signings picked up since his arrival in October, with new Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima — boasting 72 international caps — joining former West Ham player Guy Demel, ex-Liverpool attacker Florent Sinama Pongolle and returning one-time United regular Gavin Gunning.
And he will be dearly hoping they can help any new arrivals in the transfer window emulate Ross County’s miraculous mid- season recovery from last season.
Paatelainen, whose team are rock bottom of the Premiership, a full 11 points away from even a play- off spot, said: ‘I’m sure you realise that the players we’ve brought in already are all pretty experienced players, all pretty tough characters, strong characters, players who are not fazed by setbacks. They have the experience needed.
‘Of course we will try to improve our squad further on that front. And improve the competition for places, definitely.
‘But it’s not all about bringing in new players.
‘It’s very important that we work on this squad and improve them.
‘Instead of dropping deeper when we go a goal up, which is a positive thing, we have to go and press, work as hard as possible for the second goal.
‘When we scored against Dundee, that wonderful free-kick by Blair Spittal, I don’t think we dropped too deep.
‘We went for the second goal and, with a bit of luck, a bit more determination or better standard, we would have scored it.
‘We didn’t — but it’s not really the case that Dundee got the upper hand. Overall, we were the better team in the second half.
‘If we’re successful in bringing in the players we’ve targeted, we will be better off. Competition for places will be much better — and that’s one of our aims.
‘Of course we want to bring in tough characters. We want guys who are not fazed by any setbacks or any negative situations we might face in the future.
‘It’s important that the players who come in are the right types, people who will improve us.’
Psychology in general is great. It has to be a oneon-one session