Stop scrolling and just take 20 seconds to read this. Then share it with development coaches! We’ve translated the lip reading from this excellent insight between Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni and central midfielder Leandro Paredes. So many coaches try to control everything. Scaloni does something different. He listens. He includes. Then he manages the situation around what his players see, feel and need on the pitch. In this clip, Paredes explains that he is struggling to progress the ball because the opposition number nine is starting close to him and blocking the passing lanes based on the angles of support Paredes offers from central areas. His solution? He needs an extra centre back so one of them can step forward. That will either allow the centre backs to build the play themselves, or attract the number nine towards them, freeing Paredes to receive in space and take control of the game. He asks Scaloni to introduce an extra centre back to support that build up, believing it is the best way for Argentina to regain and retain control of the game. Scaloni listens, and immediately begins working on the solution. Throughout the World Cup, the cameras repeatedly captured Lionel Messi discussing on field problems with Scaloni and explaining how he believed they could be solved. That is not a weakness in the manager. That is leadership. Empowering others making them feel more attached to the objective. An environment where players are included in the planning. Not robots blindly following instructions. Footballers. THINKERS. DECISION MAKERS. THIS IS FOOTBALL, Decision makers! Develop decision makers. Get instructive control freaks out of development football!! The game is a constant series of problems and decisions. If players are always waiting for answers from the sideline, they will never reach their full potential, individually or collectively. Coach the player. Develop the thinker.