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After our third draw in a row, I felt the need to call a team meeting.
We've now dropped 3 of or last 9 points on offer, this was a trend
I had to stop sooner rather than later. While I was not happy with
the squad, I felt I had on-the-pitch matters under control.
"We're not loosing games!"
It is worth remembering this and reminding the players what they
are capable of. The difference between 1 point and 3 points paper thin.
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"Evening lads, I wanted to call you in to congratulate you"
I opened with.
There were a few confused looks throughout the dressing room.
"But, we're just after dropping points again boss?"
Patricio offered to the conversation.
"Really? I hadn't noticed. The table is what caught my eye."
I said looking him straight in the eye.
"Points are only as important as the numbers around us.
You say we've only gotten 3 points from our last 3 games,
but I look at this paper and see us sitting in second place!"
I raise my voice slightly to draw them in.
"1st Estoril; 15pts, 2nd Sporting Lisbon; 13pts, 3d Olhanense; 13pts,
4th F.C. Porto; 10pts... You put us this high in the table! I'll worry about
points, you look at the table and feel proud! Proud to be here as we show
Portugal that this is a club that won't roll over and die!" I reminded them, as a
jabbed furiously at the league table printed in the local table.
"Undefeated, Spirited, Determined! These are the words I use to describe you all"
I could sense the mood lift in the dressing room
"Now get out there and give me the training session of your lives, it's getting
harder to pick a Starting XI given the performances you've shown me! Quality
is what I want and I can assure you, each and everyone of you has it!"
Everyone cheered and they ran out on the training pitch, a noticeable spring to
their steps. Exactly what I wanted to see.
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I think this meeting has done it's job.
"