'In the final stages of Leicester City’s preparations for their first FA Cup final for 52 years and their fifth attempt to finally lift the trophy in 137 years of trying, Brendan Rodgers had one final motivational trick prepared.
The magnitude of the occasion was already so huge that the Leicester manager didn’t want to add to the hype and overstimulate his players for their big day at Wembley, but he did ensure there was one subtle difference to their routine.
As the players arrived at Wembley, resplendent in their Hugo Boss navy suits chosen by the players’ leadership group, including Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan and Jamie Vardy with input from Rodgers, and walked into the away dressing room to see their strip piled neatly in position by long-serving kit manager Paul McAndrew, they each noticed a postcard placed on top. It was the first thing they saw when they reached their seats.
Face up was a picture memento of the day, an occasion postcard with the club’s badge and fixture details, but when they turned the card over, each had a personal message from loved ones wishing them luck. Some had messages from their parents, some from wives, partners and children, but each designed by Rodgers to provide that final drop of inspiration.'
He's weird and corny, but he gets into players' heads and gets the job done.