I guess that's one way to look at the situation. On the otherhand, as a player it could come off as Thorn already has made up his mind about his team, the starters and any hard work in pre-training is futile as there's no changing the coaches mind. I understand that this clutching at straws.
Isn't that the reality? Most coaches know exactly who is playing where, it takes the challengers to take their minor chances and smash training to get a decent chance in the trails.