Adam Benjamin’s Post

A Spaniard, England could learn an invaluable lesson from. I want to share an opinion about the England football team and what happened in Germany. But I want everyone who reads it to know, I have no qualifications to justify my opinion. It’s just an opinion. Pablo Picasso once said “It took me four years to paint like Rafael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” The England squad are coached to play a certain way; to follow tried and tested methods to win games that qualify them to tournaments, steer past the first round, progress and ultimately lift the trophy. To be labelled Champions. But ever since Saturday 30th July 1966, when England were crowned World Cup winners, this has not happened. The plan has failed again and again and again. So why not try this… In the period in which England does not have a designated coach, following the resignation of Gareth Southgate, why not allow the players to throw the rule book out the window and play the game they fell in love with as children. To do as Picasso said, to reach within themselves and 'paint like a child.' The passion that steered them into the professional game must still exist under the surface of strategy, analysis and psychology. The fire must still burn. Allow them to enter the modern day coliseums and play instinctively. The way they did when they shone in playgrounds and junior tournaments before being spotted by scouts and taught 'how to paint like Rafael.' The official system hasn’t worked for 58 years. If the notion of Change heralded in a new Government, why not herald in a new era of football for England, and bid farewell to the era where we’re always the best man but never the groom. And when I say England, I mean the men because the Lionesses demonstrated in 2022, it can come home. #England #Euros

Why did England fail to win the Euros and what can we learn from this?   We all have our own strengths and weaknesses. Focusing on your strengths and improving your weaknesses is the only way grow to the next level.   From a football perspective, I think Gareth Southgate and his overly cautious approach and more defensive style of play, was what limited England to being runners up twice.   To win a tournament, especially a final, you have to dominate your opposition and impose your style of play on them. With only 34% possession it was hard for England to get a foothold in the game, and they were reliant on just “nicking it” in the final minutes of the game, which was the negative way they had played throughout the whole tournament. It felt like the Managers’ weakness of being cautious, reflected in the way England played.   Being seen in the public domain, has always been my own fear and weakness. It might be hard to believe, but I am actually a very introverted and private person! To the point, where a couple of years ago, I even had to be convinced by colleagues to put my profile photo on Linkedin, never mind posting on here!   However, I knew I had to get away from this self-imposed limitation and accept that if Baked Earth is to become a household name, which has always been my aspiration, then I have to take centre stage and be more public. The next stage in the journey is for me to post a recorded video of me talking, which actually terrifies me! Yes, talking on camera is actually one of my major phobias!   In life, business and football, we have to confront our fears. Overcome our weaknesses. Take on our inner demons.   Or else, live with the regret, of what could have been.   The choice is yours. And yours alone.

⚽ 5 Things England’s Run in the Euros Has Taught Me About Growth 🦁 I'm not a huge football fan but The England National Football Team’s run in the Euros is nothing short of inspirational. Despite heavy criticism from the media and pundits, they’ve demonstrated invaluable lessons that we can apply to our professional lives and businesses. Here are some key takeaways: 1. Ignore the Naysayers 🚫📢: The English media were highly critical of the squad and Gareth Southgate, especially after their friendly loss to Iceland and the draws against Denmark and Slovakia. Despite this, the team remained focused and determined. In business, there will always be critics. The key is to stay true to your vision and keep pushing forward. 2. Believe in Yourself and Your Team 💪🏽🤝: Jude Bellingham’s wonder goal wouldn’t have happened if he doubted himself or his teammates. England's belief in their abilities and each other allowed them to overcome strong teams. Building a successful business requires a similar mindset – trust in your team and their capabilities, and you’ll achieve great things. 3. Adapt and Iterate for Improvement 🔄📈: Throughout the knockout rounds, England improved their performance by making strategic changes. They switched formations and adjusted personnel, allowing them to maximise their strengths. In our professional lives, we must be willing to adapt and iterate to find the best solutions and strategies for success. 4. Preparation and Planning 📊🗺: In the quarterfinals against Switzerland, England’s preparation showed through their confident penalty takers and solid game plan. Being well-prepared, understanding your market, and having a clear strategy can make all the difference. 5. Rise to the Occasion ⬆️🌟: Despite the odds, England rose to the challenge against the Netherlands in the semifinals. In our careers, there will be moments that test us. Rising to the occasion, embracing the challenge, and giving our best can lead to significant breakthroughs. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, England’s journey has been remarkable. Gareth Southgate's "boring" tactics might not be flashy, but they get results. This is a reminder that in business, consistent and effective strategies often outshine quick, flashy moves. Let’s take these lessons to heart and apply them to our professional lives. Keep pushing forward, believe in your team, and continuously strive for improvement. 🌟⚽ #BusinessLessons #Leadership #Teamwork #Resilience #Euros2024 #EnglandFootball #ProfessionalDevelopment

Why can’t the best England team in years win a final? On paper, this is indeed the most exciting England team in a generation. We were even made favourite for the Euros by the bookies, but unfortunately Southgate is tactically inept ….That is the simple truth. Once again, his very predictable starting 11 tactical choices failed him. We replicated the improved semi-final play, we pressed, but Jude Bellingham looked isolated for extended periods. An unfit Harry Kane at centre-forward was slow and ineffectual AGAIN. The Spain manager noted all of this, he also recognised we had another player who was not match-fit at left back with Luke Shaw. We ‘luckily’ won our way to the final because of the ‘reluctant’ use of substitutes by the manager which provided the necessary balance and attacking edge. Yet once again, ONLY in the final 20 minutes, when Ollie Watkins and Cole palmer came on did England find a dangerous attacking formation. They should have started the game, anyone that understands football knew this, that is everyone apart from Southgate … unlike his Spain counterpart. Instead, England have had to rely on fleeting moments of inspiration from its superstars, but Spain had a system and a highly competent manager to make effective use of such. So another lost final. But I truly believe the best for England is yet to come 🙏🏼, unfortunately that will never happen with Southgate as manager. …..Adiós Gareth. #success #winners #tactics #inspiration #innovation #management

What's going on with England at the #Euros? 🏴 As the excitement of the tournament progresses, the narrative around #England's potential victory has shifted to questioning what's going wrong. As a long time fan I see this pattern repeating itself as it has for decades. Is it because - 1️⃣ World-class talent alone isn't enough. England is loaded with talent. Translating individual club success to the international stage is challenging. 2️⃣ Coaching and strategies. Should we expect #Southgate to get individual/team performances that world class coaches inspire from players like Foden, #Bellingham, Kane, Saka? 3️⃣ The fear of failure. Opting to play not to lose vs to win creates an ugly, passive game. Contrast this with the bold strategies seen in teams like Spain, Hungary , Switzerland. 4️⃣ Winning isn't good enough. England is expected to win with stylish performances. Is this fair? As the tournament unfolds, many including myself want to see more of what England is capable of. Will we? 🌟⚽ #Euros #England #Soccer #SportsAnalysis

Since Todd Boehly took control of the club in May 2022, Chelsea FC have spent a total of £1.13 billion on new signings at the time of writing. Numerous articles have surfaced over the last few weeks focusing on Chelsea FC's spending over the last 18 months and it is clear to see why: -During Roman Abramovich's 19 year reign at the club, a total of £2.01b was spent on 489 signings with a return of 14 major trophies. If we compare this to the £1.13b that Boehly's Chelsea have spent on 40 signings with a return of 0 major honours, then it clearly shows that the huge sums of money being spent is not paying off yet. -Another report highlighted that the £1.13 billion that Chelsea have spent in the last 18 months is more than clubs such as Everton, Leeds United, Southampton and Crystal Palace have spent in their entire history. -Of all the signings Chelsea have made under the new ownership, 23 of the players were aged 21 or below when they were bought by the club which highlights the obvious transfer strategy Chelsea are adopting in the market of targeting young players. -Players such as Estevao Willian, who is rated by some to be the best Brazilian talent since Neymar, is only 17 years of age but has commanded a transfer fee of up to £55m after add-ons. This is a huge amount of money for a player who has only made 35 appearances for Palmeiras. -Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo cost Chelsea FC a total of £221.8m for the midfield duo, which equates to 45.1% of AFC Bournemouth's total transfer fee's in their history. -Due to Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules, Chelsea FC are clearly offloading their academy products, look at the likes of Lewis Hall, Ian Maatsen and potentially Conor Gallagher. This is because the pure profit that these players bring in help to prevent Chelsea from breaking financial rules to an extent. Does this now mean that the Chelsea Academy is simply a cash generator to support the club with their transfer business elsewhere and do youngsters at Chelsea now have little to no chance progressing into the first team? -Chelsea offering their new signings contracts of 6 years plus allows them to amortise the transfer fee's they pay for them over the course of the contract which subsequently allows them to spend greater amounts of money per season. For example, if they sign a player for £100m on a 5 year contract, they essentially only spend £20m per season on the transfer thus reducing the chances of breaching FFP rules. -Due to Chelsea being the flagship of a new multi-club ownership that includes Strasbourg, they can send their younger, inexperienced players out on loan for no fee in order for them to get first team game time. This is already the case with the likes of Andrey Santos, Ãngelo and most recently Caleb Wiley. I would love to hear anyones opinion on Chelsea's transfer strategy. Are they being clever and signing future superstars before they peak or are they overspending on average players?

https://lnkd.in/et5rmQdU By any standard that was an exceptionally incompetent performance by Scotland at the Euros and in particular, by a mgr. who is way out of his depth. The reality is the Association are operating on an amateur basis & are always posted missing & unaccountable when it all goes pear-shaped. Why? They wouldn't have the ability or know-how to explain what went wrong nor do they have the knowledge to set up, or set a path to, a realistic ambition. Slovenia is a great comparison on how to successfully negotiate a group & they don't have anywhere near the resources of Scottish clubs/MGMT. Unfortunately, once Scotland qualify (the current hidden ambition) then complacency sets in quickly from MGMT to Association & it all begins to fall apart. Professionalism goes out the window & all & sundry flee from responsibility. The evidence is clearly on the table as the team who actually qualified were way more robust than the one that played in Germany with a very limited game plan. The entire tournament goes down as an embarrassment, however, it is not the first time - in fact, it happens every time. From 1978 where Scotland were a team run on big ego & an inferiority complex right up to now - the difference being the '78 players had enough about them to beat the finalists. As it stands currently if Scotland needed a point from anyone to get out a group they wouldn't get it. The current crop of players are left adrift & brittle by poor MGMT from all of those above. A team that can't defend, score or register a threat is utterly bankrupt in football terms. A lot needs changed before Scotland reach an understanding & maturity of performance sufficient to find progression. FED is open for club investment & direction strategies: 1. International Advisors & Match Agents to club & national teams 2. Inclusive of exhibition, tour, testimonial, friendly for top tier Euro clubs 3. International Competition Designer (FIFA World Club Championship 4. Club Partnership Specialist (FED Director, Paul Bistiaux set up Antwerp/ManUtd partnership) 5. Club Directors of UK Club 6. Club Founders of UK Club 7. Club Direction Facilitators 8. Club Strategy Implementation Advisors to several European Clubs 9. Club Acquisition/Sale Advisors to a host of top European clubs.

Are you watching the Six Nations? On 2 February, the latest instalment of the Six Nations kicked off, with France playing against Ireland in the opening match. As a financial planning firm with a keen interest in rugby, we are often struck by how the sport, and Six Nations, can reflect life. Read our latest blog, linked below, to find out more about the four key financial lessons you can learn from the Six Nations.

💯💯💯 It’s a true blessing and an engine for the relentless pursuit of excellence when you surround yourself and be a part of team with the right character - integrity, confident humility, “learn & grow” mindset 🌟 Decide & Own It - All Starts Within 💯 Thanks for sharing Patrick Skene 🙏🏻 #learnandgrow #beyourownlegend #begratefuleveryday #bepresent #actionmatters

Simple, fundamental principles that apply to sport, as well as business, when it comes to the management of #teams and individuals. Ange Postecoglu is a multi-championship winning football coach and is currently managing Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, arguably the toughest soccer league in the world to play and manage in. Despite the relentless demand for positive results week in, week out, in a cauldron of 24/7 media coverage, his management philosophy is based upon the primacy of character and its integral role in the team, rather than short-term performance and self-interested individuals. The behaviours we tolerate will eventually result in the culture we create. If you want a great work culture, do not tolerate unethical or unprincipled behaviour by individuals, and protect the team and the organisation. That’s the thing that ultimately outlasts all players, no matter how individually brilliant they may be for a few seasons. #1KBR #walkthetalk