Discussing the mental side of the game with Wolves defender Santi Bueno, who explains how he mentally deals with the rigors of Premier League football.
Mentally preparing for a game…
“When the match ends, I try to disconnect. The next day, if it's my day off, I rest, and then the following day, I start preparing for the next match.”
Recovering from setbacks…
“I try to be around family and friends, and I try to focus on the next match, as it gives you a chance for revenge, to change the impression from the last match or give a victory to the fans. It helps you forget and start thinking about the next game.”
Staying level-headed after positives…
“It’s the same as when we don’t win a match. I try to maintain stability as we’re not the worst team when we lose, or the best when we win. We are always the same, with ups and downs. Obviously, defeats affect the environment a bit, but we try to stay the same team, to keep the joy when we lose and win, without being inappropriate, because every three, four, or five days, there’s another match. What’s happened is done; we need to face the next game in the best way.”
Beginning match preparations…
“When the match approaches I start thinking more about the game, but obviously from the beginning of the week we’re already focused on the next opponent, preparing for training, how the opponent will play and at home with rest and good nutrition. I like to stay calm and watch football too, so I prepare well.”
Cutting off afterwards…
“Before, it took me longer, it took me more days. Now, I’m more mature and my girlfriend helps me to finish the match and try to disconnect. Obviously, I analyse the mistakes and correct what can be improved, but I try to leave everything on the field. I think that the game is over, and there’s nothing more I can do to change the result or the situation. So, I try to recover as quickly as possible and not think about the game, although, of course, I correct the mistakes and then start thinking about the next match.”
What has changed…
“When you start playing professionally, football becomes more about details, about strategies, and you have to stay focused for 90 minutes. You can’t relax for a second because it can change the result of the match and the work of the entire team. So, I think the responsibility is big, and you have to stay focused for 90 minutes because any play can change the result.”
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2024/25 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
