The Bolton boss has spent all week working on the mental scars from last Sunday's FA Cup 5-0 semi-final mauling by Stoke but is unsure the healing process will ever run its course.
Lonely place: Bolton were humiliated in their FA Cup semi-final clash with Stoke
'The early part of the week was particularly difficult,' he said, ahead of Sunday's return to action. 'We would be kidding ourselves if we tried to make out we were not hurting at what happened to us, because no-one envisaged a scoreline like that.
'As manager, it will hurt until the day I die, and the same applies to the players. If anyone thought those boys walked off the pitch not bothered, they are sadly wrong. This was the biggest stage they have played on, a chance to reach the FA Cup final, and it hit them hard.
'But you have to take that hurt and use it to motivate yourself. It was a terrible day, just horrible, but sometimes you have to take your medicine.
Rout: Jonathan Walters scored twice in the thumping 5-0 win
'I had a meeting with them collectively, as well as speaking to them individually, and the message was simple enough. Football can take the rug from under your feet at times, but are you going to wallow in self-pity or get up in the morning with a smile on your face and get yourself going again?
'We're trying to get their mental state back to 100 per cent, and we'll see how close we are on Sunday. Terrible moments can make you stronger. You've got to get back on the horse as quickly as possible, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them, in what should be a great game in an electric atmosphere.'
Back to the drawing board: Coyle has urged his team to bounce straight back against Arsenal
Coyle took issue with Chelsea keeper Petr Cech's claim that Arsenal have blown their title chance.
'They are right in the mix,' he said. 'They still have plenty to play for, and Arsene Wenger will have them highly motivated. He has been, and still is, an outstanding manager.'?
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Source: Daily Mail
Source: Daily Mail