07-25-2021, 05:58 AM
Nice post Lods. it as as you say, a bit of a cliche, but IMO also involves a small amount of psychological trickery, since if the players are aware that there is a reduced chance of winning because of injury, the temptation is there to drop off ever so slightly, knowing that if you don't win, you have an "excuse" ready to go. It's also a good and necessary statement for the fans. But i don't think it really works. The players know injuries make a difference, we know it makes a difference, the coaches know - I think it just sets up a kind of cognitive dissonance in everyone's mind.