Coach Perspective Expands Crisis Models in Professional Soccer

KIT researchers examine organizational inconsistencies in greater depth to further unravel crisis dynamics
Soccer player dribbles a ball on football field. Amadeus Bramsiepe, KIT
Success is created not only on the field but also through team dynamics, organization, and expectation management.

Every soccer team goes through difficult phases. To better manage or even prevent such crises, it is important to understand the underlying processes. Researchers at KIT have therefore analyzed the perspective of coaches for the first time, offering a more nuanced insight into pressure and expectations in professional sports.

Success Begins with Communication

“Performance crises in professional soccer do not arise from individual events, but from latent weaknesses, triggers, and self‑reinforcing escalation cycles,” emphasizes lead author Constantin Rausch from the Institute of Sports and Sports Science at KIT. Subtle weaknesses such as disagreements within the club and the team – barely noticeable during successful periods – contribute significantly to escalation in uncertain phases. The researchers had previously examined the complex interplay of external, organizational, and team‑oriented factors primarily from the players’ perspective; now they have interviewed twelve coaches from professional men's soccer.

“Coaches offer a unique perspective on crisis processes in professional soccer – especially at an organizational level,” explains Rausch. “They act as a buffer for media pressure and internal expectations, which can intensify crises.” With this new, systemic perspective, the researchers at KIT expand existing crisis models, particularly by addressing the issue of differing perceptions and their contribution to escalating crisis dynamics. They identify divergent organizational‑level assessments as a key factor that fosters uncertainty and weakens team dynamics. According to Rausch, clear internal communication and aligned expectations are therefore essential for de‑escalation and prevention.

lla, March 4, 2026