Chapter 132: Giving It Your All Is Enough
It wasn't that the people of Mallorca were overly greedy. Just breaking into the top four had already made them ecstatic. However, the difference between finishing second and third was significant. The painful memory of failing in the Champions League qualifiers two seasons ago was still fresh in their minds. How could they not be anxious?
This was a classic case of fear of loss after experiencing gain.
Yet, after losing this match, José surprisingly felt relieved.
Losing now was disappointing, but it was far better than losing at the final moment. At least with this defeat, the pressure of maintaining an unbeaten streak was lifted from Mallorca's players. They no longer had to start every match thinking, "We absolutely can't lose, or the streak will end." Instead, they could approach games with a more relaxed mindset.
Besides, Deportivo La Coruña had only managed a draw, meaning they were ahead by just one point. José didn't believe Deportivo could win all of their last five matches. And even if they did, so what? As long as Mallorca secured a top-four finish, their goal would be accomplished.
Of course, José wouldn't let this mindset show. If the team settled for "just keeping a top-four spot" instead of aiming for "a top-two finish to qualify directly for the Champions League," they might not even hold onto fourth place.
What pleased José the most was that after this defeat, his players didn't become complacent, thinking, "Our top-four spot is still safe, so it doesn't matter." That attitude would have been truly dangerous. Barcelona and Valencia were formidable opponents, and if they found themselves on the verge of missing out on Champions League qualification, they might unleash their full strength in a last-ditch effort.
"Alright, we lost that match, but sulking won't change anything."
Three days after the game, José clapped his hands on the training ground to get everyone's attention. The atmosphere had been heavy since the loss, and he needed to change that. Letting the gloom linger too long would hurt morale.