The reason for Philippe Clement’s decision to stifle Danilo and Todd Cantwell’s raucous goal celebrations against Sparta Prague has been revealed.
In their Europa League match, the Light Blues defeated their opponents 2-1, and both players celebrated with a dance as they soaked up the cheers of the home crowd. The manager’s only concern was staying focused and returning to action with their best game face on in order to prevent any mistakes.
The Belgian knows how tricky a lead can be in those fixtures and he explained his decision was all about avoiding complacency and ensuring the two key men knew the job was far from over.
Clement said
“I want the players to be happy and feel the joy and energy with the fans and that they express their feelings.”
“I want them to stay focused also. I knew that in that moment the game wasn’t finished yet so I don’t want players who switch off and stay satisfied. That can come after the game. The moment the referee whistles again we need to have top focus and I want a team who goes for the third goal and after the third goal goes for the fourth goal and not to stop after 2-0.
“You see the team is growing every three days so that’s a very satisfying thing to see. And not only in the team and the games but also the vibe here in the building with everybody around the team is also different to how it was three and a half weeks ago.
“We like to control everything that we can control in a football club and for the moment it is because the players are really focused, really concentrated in every meeting, that they are making big steps forward in a fast time. I have to say this is the fastest way that a team reacted until now when I was working somewhere, because of their concentration.”
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