Wolves’ goalkeeper Dan Bentley talks us through how he handles the mental side of the game, including matchday preparations and unwinding afterwards.
Mentally preparing for a game…
“I like ticking as many boxes as I can – training, covering as much as possible in the week in terms of preparing for Saturday, my diet, my sleep, my nutrition. Everything that goes into my week will be geared towards the Saturday.”
Beginning match preparations…
“The minute the last game finishes, you’re always on to the next game and preparing, especially when they come thick and fast like they do at times in the season. If we’re playing Saturday to Saturday, I like to have Saturday night to chill out, rest Sunday and get back on it Monday. Subconsciously though, you’re already thinking straight after the game.”
Recovering from setbacks…
“I’m my own worse critic. I’ve learned as I’ve got older to be a bit more lenient on myself – adversity happens, and it’s no ideal, but get over it basically. Often, hard work and getting back on the horse is the best way to do it. Get going again.”
Staying level-headed after positives…
“It’s the same. Not too high when we win, but not too tough when we lose. It’s finding a middle ground and trying to be consistent with it and trying to keep good habits.”
Cutting off afterwards…
“It’s hard to come down after games, regardless of result. But I try to chill out as quickly as possible. When I walk through the door to see my family, my kids especially, that’s the moment when I realise all that matters is my little girls.”
What has changed…
“It’s massively developed. I used to overthink and worry about what everyone else had to say too much, but now I know my game inside out, I know how to deal with things, I know how to prepare, I know how to stay consistent with all aspects of my game, and how to react to certain situations. I’ve massively developed since I first came through.”
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.
