A shadow of doubt hangs over Manuel Ugarte, a player who arrived with significant expectations. His manager acknowledges a current struggle, a difficulty in adapting to the demanding new environment despite a hefty price tag.
The manager, a keen observer of talent, understands the pitfalls of joining a club of this stature. He’s seen promising players falter before, and recognizes Ugarte is currently facing that same challenge, a stark contrast to his previous form.
The core of the issue, according to the manager, isn’t a lack of ability, but a failure to fully translate his skills to this new world. He stresses the vital need for improvement, particularly within the rigorous framework of training sessions.
Commitment and relentless effort in training are non-negotiable for players hoping to earn and maintain their place in the team. This isn’t a new demand; it’s a standard consistently enforced throughout the manager’s tenure.
Recent victories against formidable opponents – Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton – offer a glimmer of hope, a sign of progress. However, the manager remains unsatisfied, pushing for a level of performance that currently feels distant.
He observes a growing intensity and improved execution in training and matches, but insists the team is far from reaching its full potential. Perfection, in both positioning and effort, is the unwavering target.
Bryan Mbeumo’s emergence as a key player has fueled the recent upturn, but the manager knows sustained success demands more than just individual brilliance. It requires a collective pursuit of flawlessness.
The current undefeated streak, while positive, is not enough to quell the manager’s ambition. He openly admits to feeling frustrated after recent draws, emphasizing that simply avoiding defeat isn’t the standard at this club.
The upcoming match against Everton isn’t viewed as a chance to extend the streak, but as an opportunity to reclaim winning form. The manager’s message is clear: unbeaten is merely a stepping stone, not the ultimate goal.
He seeks a relentless drive for improvement, a commitment to achieving perfection in every aspect of the game. Only then, he believes, can the team truly contend for a place at the very top of the league table.
