Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman says that his team is not distracted by the past. As the program prepares for a game they must win, Freeman says that his players should not need motivation from outside sources to play their best.
Freeman’s Notre Dame Keeps Eyes on National Championship Prize
After Notre Dame booked their spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, star running back Jeremiyah Love stated that he wanted to face the Ohio State Buckeyes, stemming from a defeat to the program in 2023.
Love got his wish, with Notre Dame taking on Ohio State on Jan. 20 for a chance to win the Irish’s first national championship since 1988.
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When asked about the team’s mindset going into this game, Freeman answered firmly. “If you need [extra motivation] to prepare for this game, then you aren’t the right fit,” he said.
Freeman indicated that it’s not just the opportunity itself but Notre Dame’s chance to compete for a National Championship. “This isn’t focused on previous events. This is about the opportunity we have ahead of us,” Freeman said. His message to the squad is directing all their efforts toward the present task.
The Past Provides Lessons; The Present Provides Motivation for Freeman and Notre Dame
He might dismiss external motivation, but he does appreciate preparation and learns from experiences. “If there are lessons to be learned from earlier games, we will certainly utilize them,” he mentioned. “However, it is not for motivational purposes at all.”
This perspective exhibits the coaching philosophy of Freeman, one who values preparation, discipline, and taking advantage of the moment rather than depending on emotional stimuli.
Now, the stakes are even higher as Notre Dame fights for the National Championship. Freeman knows how to keep his team focused on the present goal and what they will get in the future.
Notre Dame has a rich tradition rising to the occasion, and Freeman’s leadership embodies that heritage. As the Fighting Irish continue to pursue their championship dreams, it is obvious that they are driven by possibilities rather than external factors.
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