Coffee & Questions The Standard Cofee with Nick Butler - Man of the Match - Game against Florida Elite SA.
You were playing in Spain for almost 2 years, what was that experience like?
It was a really great experience. It taught me a lot. I had to learn a new language, meet new people, and live in a new place. It took a while to adapt but now I think I’m a better person for doing it.
Do you get to practice Spanish with some of the guys on the team?
I do speak with some of the guys here. I enjoy doing that which was something I couldn’t do before. Learning a new language is fun and I’m happy that I can.
Tell us about something that you really enjoyed in Spain. Was there a favorite food?
I really got to enjoy trips to Madrid and Barcelona, which was very nice. Madrid is now my favorite European city.
I wouldn’t say I had a favorite food but I wasn’t much of a coffee drinker before I went there. Then I started drinking a lot of expresso and stuff like that so that’s probably the most memorable thing that I discovered.
What do you remember about the last game you played with us back in 2021?
It was a friendly against River Plate. I remember that I started on the bench. Then Tete (Vacas), got injured in the first half so I went in for him. They scored 1st and then late in the 2nd half, I scored. Unfortunately, they did score another right at the very end but it was a really great match to play in.
What do you remember about the goal and were you nervous playing against one of the best teams in the world? Were you nervous?
In those situations, you know what you are doing but you can’t really think about it. You are going off your instincts and just reacting to the moment. I can’t say that I planned it but it’s a great memory that I have and I’m very happy that it happened.
I wasn’t nervous. I just really wanted to play. I was angry that I wasn’t playing from the beginning so as soon as I got on I wanted to do something. It’s important, especially in games like that because you never know who is watching and you may get an opportunity from it so that’s how I approach everything thing.
Speaking of goals, 1st home game and you score the very first goal that a lot of our fans got to see in person. How did that feel?
I love scoring and it was a unique moment because the game was the first one at the new stadium and in front of lots of people who haven’t watched us before so it felt amazing.
What do you think about this season, this team, and coming back to the Buffalo?
When I knew that I was coming back to America I knew that I wanted to play here. It’s only 25 minutes from my house and as far as teams in this league it’s one of the best. I think this year we have a great chance to do really well. We have a lot of good players and I think that we are playing maybe 60%-70% of our capacity and once we get it right we are going to be really difficult to beat.
What did you think about the Florida Elite game?
I think the first half was really good. We definitely looked a lot better than them. They are one of the best teams in our conference so to show them that we were better than them was really good. I think that maybe we could have scored another goal in that half. But they are a good team as well and they organized well defensively so I’m not surprised that we didn’t get to score in the second half and obviously they got a very good goal to tie it up. Sometimes it’s just how the game goes.
What did you think about getting picked as the man of the match at a home game?
I was surprised. I remember being on the field at the end talking with my girlfriend and friends and then I get a tap on my shoulder. They gave me the scarf and it was a really nice surprise. I think that is a great way to do it.
We're reaching half of our season, what do you think the team needs to do going forward to get more goals and more points?
As I said, we still have a lot of potential to tap into. Some pieces may have to be moved. Some things may have to change. Whatever that is, the coaching staff will work on and then it’s up to us at the game to figure out ways to win. I think it’s not just about playing well but it’s also about finding ways to win. Relying on what we do good every game and then also trying to stop from making mistakes, it’s important.
Florida Elite was extremely vocal during that game. How did you stay calm thru it?
I think that no matter who you are playing you have to have a sense of equanimity. Whenever I see players shouting at each other or pushing each other I just want to get the game started so I can do something. I’ve been kicked on purpose and even had someone spit on my face before but I carried on because I want to get the ball and score. For me, I know that if I get a yellow card I might get a red card and the last thing I want to do is to come out. I learned my lesson from when I was younger that you can’t retaliate. You’re not bigger than the referee because he has the power to take you out of the game. Even if you only get a yellow card the coach is going to be inclined to take you out because he doesn’t want to lose a player. So, having emotional control is just as important as being a good athlete or player.
At the higher levels, you go through emotional rollercoasters every single day not just at the games but at training too. That’s what I learned in Spain. If something bad happens at the game or training you just have to get on with it and accepted it as part of the career you chose.
