"We need to do something different because there are times when we've done good things and haven't been rewarded because we've let details slip due to lack of concentration," said the head coach of the Montreal team, Friday morning, when asked what message he intended to deliver to his troops.
"Simply, enjoy the game and give your best version of yourselves. We know the element that will put us in a good position and the one we want to avoid against this team that is very solid defensively. All it takes is discipline, fun and giving it your all. I think we have enough quality. We've shown that we're capable. It's just that sometimes, guys forget how positive they can be at certain moments."
However, Courtois also knows what he hopes not to see from his players in Saturday's game and, one can imagine, in the Montreal team's remaining six games before the end of the schedule on October 19.
"What I don't want is for us to doubt what we want to do, to hang our heads when things don't go our way. I want us to avoid doing the things we've said hurt us. Those are the elements."
"Then, there are a lot of people who are very convinced, and there are two or three who wait for it to go one way or the other to 'jump' (into action). I don't want us to go with the wind. We have a direction, we have ideas, we have principles, we have values; we want to stick to them. And it's not 'as soon as things go wrong, we hang our heads and as soon as things go well, we're there.'
"Let's stay the course. Let's stay the course, no matter what, on what we know we're capable of doing and offer a decent fight, for ourselves first and for the people who come to the stadium. I just don't want us to hesitate or wait to see how it goes to really assert ourselves or fade away," added the CF Montréal head coach.
But if you dissect Courtois' response, you have to wonder if some players have given up the fight. The CFM head coach felt it was necessary to qualify his thoughts. In passing, he admitted that the way he delivers his messages, whether to the media or his players, is an important aspect of his job.
"I try to make sure that we can maximize those who have a little more trouble, either by profile, by quality, or by state of mind. To do the little extra. Because we've all shown, I believe, for the most part, that there were interesting things when we all did it at the same time. And of course, when you have two results like the last two, there can be doubt and feel a little less strong or less, we'll say, in value. The idea is that we all have to be in the same direction. That's what I wanted to say."
The two results Courtois is talking about, stinging 5-0 losses at home to the New England Revolution on August 24 and 4-1 in Cincinnati seven days later, leave CF Montréal (6-12-9 - 27 points) tied with the Revolution in 12th place, five points behind the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference, the last giving access to the playoffs, with seven games left on the schedule.
The Montreal team has lost its last three MLS outings and has not won since its 1-0 victory over Atlanta United on July 13 at Stade Saputo. Since then, they have only added one point to the standings in a 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls on July 17.
Saturday's clash doesn't look easy, as Charlotte FC boasts the best goals allowed per game average in MLS. They are also one of only two Garber Circuit teams to have conceded fewer than 30 goals this season, the other being the Columbus Crew of Wilfried Nancy.
To end this lethargy, one word is enough, according to midfielder Bryce Duke.
"Win. I guess that's the simplest answer. You have to win games," he summarized.
"You have to respect the game plan, don't give up easy goals, don't fade away. We'll obviously give up goals. We can't tell ourselves: 'Well, they scored, the game's over.' We have to avoid falling into that mentality. We have to stay in the game, mentally, take advantage of our opportunities and respect the strategy. Just play well, simply."
CF Montréal’s Struggles: A Deeper Look
While the team seeks to turn things around, their struggles go beyond just the past few matches. The team's recent woes have brought into focus the challenges they've been facing and the questions they're raising about the club's direction. The ongoing difficulties have triggered discussions about the decisions made by club executives and whether they've contributed to the team's current state.
Gabriel Gervais' Leadership: Under Scrutiny
The appointment of Gabriel Gervais as President and CEO in 2022 has been met with mixed reactions, and some have questioned whether he's the right person to lead the club. While he had a successful playing career in the USL, some believe his experience doesn't translate well to the demands of the MLS, a league with a higher level of competition and financial stakes.
His lack of experience in the MLS is a concern, as he hasn't been exposed to the challenges and complexities of managing a team at the highest level of North American soccer. His previous experience in Deloitte, a renowned firm, is considered by some to be a business background that might not translate seamlessly to the world of professional sports, particularly soccer.
Furthermore, Gervais' decision-making has been criticized for its lack of direction. The team's struggles have led to doubts about his ability to create a coherent vision for the future of the club. Many have questioned his leadership, his ability to build a competitive team, and the lack of a consistent starting lineup. His reliance on young players and his inability to identify and address the core issues contributing to the team's struggles have raised concerns.
Can CF Montréal Find Its Way Back?
The future of CF Montréal hangs in the balance. The team is fighting to make the playoffs, and their ability to do so will rely heavily on their ability to overcome their current struggles. The pressure is on Laurent Courtois and Gabriel Gervais to find a way to turn things around. If they fail to make the necessary changes, the future of the team could be uncertain. Will CF Montréal be able to rise above its challenges and find a way to compete in the MLS? Or will they continue to struggle?
Only time will tell.
The Weight of History
There's a sense of déjà vu in the air. The parallels to the Montreal Canadiens' struggles under Réjean Houle are undeniable. Both teams have been plagued by poor leadership, questionable decisions, and a lack of vision for the future. The fans are left feeling frustrated and uncertain about the direction of their beloved teams.
Will the CF Montréal's story end up mirroring the Canadiens' fate? Or will they break free from the cycle and forge a brighter path? This question lingers in the minds of many, and the answer may depend on the actions of the club's leadership in the coming weeks and months.
