KISTENMACHER Y LA PSICOLOGÍA APLICADA AL FÚTBOL EN LA ARGENTINA DE LOS AÑOS 60

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper explores Enrique Kistenmacher's proposal to apply psychological knowledge to professional football in Argentina during the 1960s. The research was conducted within the framework of the critical history of psychology, consulting a variety of historical sources mainly from the field of argentine sport. First, Kistenmacher is briefly introduced and the context of his arrival at Club Atlético River Plate as a physical trainer is recounted. Next, some of the historical conditions that made it possible for Kistenmacher to become interested in applying psychological knowledge to professional football are reconstructed. Further on, the ‘psi’ knowledge and practices he resorted to are described. Finally, the use of psychological knowledge is interpreted as a strategy of legitimisation.