Tavares ready to take his game to next level
FABIO Tavares has set out his targets for next season after topping an outstanding personal campaign of progress at Coventry City.
The popular striker scored 17 league goals for the Sky Blues Under-23s – a figure he says he took to ‘around 25’ including friendlies – helping them to Tuesday night’s Professional Development League play-off final victory over Bristol City, when he set up the first goal.
Speaking after the 3-2 win at Ashton Gate, the 21-yearold reflected on an exciting season of personal development during which he broke into Mark Robins’ first team squad, making seven substitute appearances in the Championship and scoring one goal.
“It’s been one of my best seasons since being a pro,” said the nimble footed forward. I have really enjoyed it, my first full season at Coventry and it has gone brilliantly, couldn’t have gone any better.
“I have scored 17 goals in league and around 25 including the friendlies which is a nice personal achievement for me, and I am happy with that.”
So what’s his target for next season?
“I think the gaffer is going to speak to all the first team players, if he hasn’t already done it, and just kick on from there really.
“I want to get more minutes next season and maybe get a couple of starts.
“I am going to work really hard in the off season and come back in and go hard in pre-season and see where it goes from there really.”
Pre-season is a great opportunity for younger players to get game time and catch the manager’s eye, and Tavares pointed to bad fortune last summer that may well have delayed his progression into the senior side.
“On the first day of pre-season last summer I caught Covid and was out for ten
days and missed the Spain trip and that set me back a bit, so I am just looking to come back for pre-season and be ready to go and try to impress the manager and Adi.”
Sky Blues supporters have been calling for the striker to get a chance from the start in games, particularly towards the back end of the campaign after a series of eye-catching cameos from the bench, but Tavares appears happy to bide his time and heed the advice of his coaches.
“Obviously every player wants to start games but it’s got to be when I am ready and the gaffer, Adi and Dennis will know that, and I have the belief in them when they say I am ready to start,” he said.
Asked if he’s had any post season feedback from the
manager or indication what the club have planned for him next season, he said: “Not yet but I am sure I will hear from him in the next day or two.
“I’m excited about next season, which is going to be a big one for me personally. I do want to kick on and start coming out of being that youngster type of player and wait and see what comes.”
As for his relationship with the fans, many of whom have been desperate for the former Rochdale player to get more game time, he said: “I really appreciate them.
“All season I have been seeing it and ever since I joined Coventry I have seen them going crazy, not just for me but the whole team and the whole club.
“They are all connected together and it’s beautiful to see.”
I’m excited about next season, which is going to be a big one for me personally.
Fabio Tavares