There Will Be Trades, And Rumors of Trades

And that is why we are 0-3-3 in the last six games.

That’s my theory, and I’m sticking to it.

In teaching theory, “Stephen Krashen offers three ‘affective variables’ that have been identified as being related to language-acquisition : these are ‘motivation’, ‘self-confidence’ and ‘anxiety’.” When the first two are in poor supply, and the anxiety level of the student is high, the student cannot perform.

That sounds exactly like what is going on with the Galaxy. There has been a departing Xavier’s criticism of Gullit’s coaching:

“[Gullit] doesn’t respect the players, he doesn’t communicate with the players. He never wants to listen to the players. It’s a bad environment. He doesn’t like players with personality. The players are afraid to speak out because, for most of them, their jobs are not guaranteed. They are afraid of losing their jobs. Look at Carlos Ruiz: One week Ruud Gullit wants to trade him and the next week he wants to be his best friend. … With all the friction between the coach and the players, how can you have a healthy environment?”

Okay, maybe Xavier isn’t exactly an impartial, or credible, source. I took all of this with a grain of salt until I read this quote from Chris Klein. To me, Chris Klein is a more reliable source:

“In general, the security of our players is not there.”

When the trade window is looming, the players play with less confidence and more anxiety. The play of the team as a whole suffers. Games are lost. Team attitude slumps.

With the trade window open and active, no one is guaranteed a spot, well, with the exception of Beckham, who happens to be playing with the most grit and determination of anyone on the team. (Chris Klein gets a nod for the same grit and determination.) Coincidence?

So here we go again. Traditionally the Galaxy take a downward dive during the trade window. Many blame it on personnel coming and going and new players getting used to the team. No doubt that’s true. But I blame it on Krashen’s affective filter theory, as applied to soccer. Few can play their best soccer when their necks are on the chopping block.

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Category: Team News, Transfer Rumors