He did during pre-season, which is how he found out it wasn't for him.
One person's "poor mentality" is another person's "staunch self-confidence".
As an example, I've been through the wringer in my previous workplace, changing roles and adapting, going outside my comfort zone, because that was asked of me. Only to be ditched once a new manager came in and wanted to change the structure.
If I had stayed in my previous role I would likely have gone to a competitor and further enhanced my career in the field. As it is, I'm caught a bit in noman's land. Now I wish I had VK's foresight and confidence to stick to the tried and trusted and build my reputation elsewhere.