Becoming intentional to move up the spiral is indeed needed to make the gain while moving forward.
Luck doesn't count out, favour is surely required after the work has been put in. Off season and open season, the grass is green after being nurtured.
"intention" is often left in word only, but intentional action is what is actually required, and that is not necessarily where most people focus their attention.
No one is to fault but the player in concern, having the intention and being intentional are just different and could be easily misplaced.