It is easy to focus on the here and now. The philosophy of prioritising the next game or the next competition or just the next hurdle is extremely prominent in modern sports psychology. But for professional organisations, focusing on just the short term can get them into a lot of trouble.
For the players, ridding of long-term distractions is sensible, no doubt. But managers and executives who are pulling the strings behind the scenes cannot be so naive. They must continually look after the long-term prospects of the organisation.
This season, New York City FC are chasing after their first MLS Cup.