Building the “team behind the team”: A 21-month instrumental case study of the Swedish 2018 FIFA World Cup team

In this study, we provide a novel account of the selection and development staff team for Swedish national men’s football 2018 FIFA World Cup. A total 37 interviews took place at six time points over 21-month period to track values-based steps taken by Head Coach build his support team. The sample was employed in variety roles including Coach, Assistant Goalkeeping Mentor Performance Analyst, Sports Psychologist, three Scouts, Team Manager. data are presented temporal manner organized according core values which were espoused later adopted as value system team: candor, humility, community. insight into recruitment, formation, underpinned promoted using presentation longitudinal reflections from members during their build-up to, excellent performance Cup finals offer significant contribution knowledge regarding how values-led approach experienced elite sport. findings salient implications research practice.Lay summary: This is case study selection, 21 months before We explored leadership across period, presenting time-related impact on “team behind team” Cup.Applied implicationsPsychologists coaches might benefit adopting recruitment ways working.The community effectively articulated role modeled leader subsequently Although specific may not be suitable, processes critical moments that defined adoption process valuable others reflect on.Values systems “stress testing” characterized relative stability personnel consistency messaging.