Discussing the mental side of the game with Wolves skipper Toti, who believes his chilled personality has helped him get to where he is today.
Mentally preparing for a game…
“I don’t like to do much the day before the game, I just like to chill, watch a series and prepare well mentally in my head for the game. Sometimes I’ll watch some videos the gaffer sent to us, to make sure I understand everything. Hours before the game I’ll just listen to music, it’s what I like to do, it keeps me calm and concentrated for the game.”
Recovering from setbacks…
“It happens and you need to deal with it. I try not to think too much about it, I go to my house with my family, and don’t do too much. I don’t think about the game, I maybe put a movie on and relax. Then the next day I’ll see what I did well and keep working to make it better for the next game.”
Staying level-headed after positives…
“When you win, it’s good to celebrate, of course. But you need to keep your feet on the ground. If you win, it doesn’t mean everything was right, and when you lose, it doesn’t mean everything’s wrong. We need to enjoy the moments and be happy, but ready to keep working hard, so we keep winning.”
Beginning match preparations…
“It’s as soon as the game before finishes, I already start thinking about the next one. I switch straight away.”
Cutting off afterwards…
“It’s when I leave the stadium, I switch off normally.”
What has changed…
“I was always like this with my mentality, working hard, that’s why I’m here today. But I was lucky to have the right people by my side always and I’m someone who knows how to listen, even if something is wrong, I will listen and try to make it better. I don’t care if you speak bad about me, I’ll use it as a good point and make it better.”
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.
