Less Skill More Passion

The picture of me to the right is from my holiday to Barcelona in Spring 2006. Whilst I was there I had the pleasure of watching Lio Messi training outside the Nou Camp by himself whilst he attempted to recover from the injury that put him out of the Champions League Semi-Final with Chelsea. It was clear then, and he has continued to prove, that he is an exceptional talent that screams 'class'.

The irony to this story is that I am wearing an L.S.M.P. T-shirt.

L.S.M.P. - Less Skill More Passion.

Having watched football over the last fifteen years, it cannot be denied that the beautiful game, whilst maintaining a glorious standard of pulsating football, is sadly missing the passion that turns average players into good players, and good players into great players.

Examples that stand out? Joey Barton, Alan Smith... these are average players... but their passion raises their game. Their desire to not be beaten is what has placed £6m price tags on their heads.

What can passion do to an already good player?

Roy Keane's performance and goal in Turin in 1999.
Steven Gerrard's last minute volley against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
Zinedine Zidane's headbutt against Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final.

Alright, so passion isn't always great.

But a team without passion...? Sven's England 2001 - 2006.