Get your body and mind in gear for the new campaign with some sage advice from Cavani
“What’s the key to making a positive start to the new season? It always takes me a few games to get going.” Dom Barlow, via email
Edinson Cavani says:
“Once you get to professional level, being a footballer is like being a machine. You must look after your body, especially when preparing for the new season.
The best way to be at your best for a new season, though, is to clear the mind of any stress or negative thoughts. Mental rest is just as important as physical rest. I try to have a minimum of 20 days’ holiday before pre-season – that way I feel refreshed from the start.
That helps you attack the first few games, because you’ve been looking forward to the new season.
Obviously pre-season training plays a big part in starting the campaign in the right physical shape, but you can’t be mentally weary. It’s easy to see opponents who haven’t prepared properly.
Having an ego is a big part of being a striker – nothing that gets in the way of the team ethic, but the desire to score goals. I don’t necessarily set myself specific targets, but I do try to find the net early to ease the pressure that’s always on you as a goalscorer.”
Andrew Murray is a freelance journalist, who regularly contributes to both the FourFourTwo magazine and website. Formerly a senior staff writer at FFT and a fluent Spanish speaker, he has interviewed major names such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Xavi. He was also named PPA New Consumer Journalist of the Year 2015.
