Amid a four-game losing streak, FC Dallas' coaches are being asked what they're doing to keep their players mentally motivated. Few people ask Nico Estevez who supports him.
“My wife, my children, my parents, they are my support,” Estevez said.
“When I get home after a long day at work and see my kids and my wife, it gives me the energy I need to keep going,” Estevez says. He tries not to confuse his professional life with his off-field life.
“When I was younger, I would sometimes take work issues home with me, but over time I learned not to do that anymore. At the end of the day, whether we win or lose, it's their fault. It's not my fault.'' So when I get home, I enjoy spending time with my family, which helps a lot,'' Estevez said.
FC Dallas visits St. Louis on Saturday, looking to end the team's longest losing streak since 2018.
After a poor start to the season, FCD ranks 12th out of 14 teams in the Western Conference. Estevez's team has scored six goals and conceded 10.
“For us, this game in St. Louis is very important to gain confidence,” said FC Dallas forward Paul Arriola.
“Mentally I'm fine. I've worked hard this week so I'm confident and if I focus on what I need to do, victory will be on my side.”
FC Dallas has lost its last four games after winning the season opener at Toyota Stadium, but Estevez isn't panicking.
“We are only five games into the season, but we have to start playing better if we are to straighten our path and achieve our first goal of making it to the playoffs, and our players are working hard to achieve that.” “He works like an animal,” Estevez said.
Estevez is in his third season as FC Dallas' manager and said the difficult moments he is currently experiencing have taught him important lessons.
“I've learned how cohesive this group of players is and the strong culture we've built that allows us to talk about things that aren't going well. Even though there are some hard things to say, , I have no problem talking about it. I'm really proud of that. This group is mature enough to do that,” Estevez said.
To lighten the team's mood, Estevez created a positive atmosphere by holding barbecues after practice and cooking paella for the players.
“It's important not to panic, get frustrated or get too emotional. That's what we've been talking about and we're all on the same page. We're all on the same page. I want to win for the fans, myself, the club and my family,” Estevez said.
Estevez knows that to be a head coach in Major League Soccer, you have to be ready to face situations like the one he's currently experiencing with his team.
“We coaches have a different mindset. It's a little crazy to take this job because we often feel so unappreciated, but I'm a very competitive person, so right now I'm looking forward to the task at hand. ,” Estevez said.
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