Richard followed O'Neill toward the locker room after training wrapped up at Maine Road.
He leaned casually against the wall just outside the locker room door, while O'Neill stepped inside to deliver the news about the holiday.
The players, having finished showering and changed into their clothes, could sense that the boss had something important to say. They sat quietly, a few hungry ones grabbing snacks to munch on while they listened.
"I know it's been a tough stretch lately," O'Neill began. "No winter break, daily training, match after match—you've all had to push through. It's not easy, I get that."
The players remained silent, their eyes fixed on him.
"This month isn't even over, and we've already played three league games, one League Cup match, and one FA Cup tie. And in just six days, another league match is waiting for us. I'm not going to stand here and pretend that pushing through it all is sustainable. I think what you need right now is some proper rest."
