Discussing the mental side of the game with Wolves’ Colombian defender Yerson Mosquera, who tries not to let his emotions get too affected by what happens on the pitch.
Mentally preparing for a game…
“I try not to get too emotional when thinking about the game. I like to stay without any distractions. Ahead of games I will be playing on my phone, or I’ll be listening to music. I try to do different things.”
Recovering from setbacks…
“Losses are normal in the game. Losses happen in football and when you lose, you always grow. Even when you lose, you need to stay prepared for everything. Obviously, I feel sad, but this is normal and you will pass this situation. After time, I will feel good again.”
Staying level-headed after positives…
“I enjoy winning. I enjoy it because we work for this, I work for winning every time, but I still stay calm, because today you can win and tomorrow you can lose. You need to have the mentality to continue to win. That’s the mentality. We know we have a good team and we can stay good in the table, no matter what the last result was.”
Beginning match preparations…
“I’m always preparing for the next match – every day I’m thinking about the next game, but I always put in more focus when we get nearer to the game. I need to stay 100 per cent on what I want to do.”
Cutting off afterwards…
“I always feel good and feel relaxed. Always. I don’t like to think too much about the games once they are passed, I just put the focus on my life. I like to enjoy it with my family and with my friends, and after when I get onto the pitch, I put 100 per cent focus on the game.”
What has changed…
“Mentally, the level has changed a lot. Now I feel stronger mentally, I can perform better because I have a lot of experience in the games, but that is just football. You need to progress when you face hard situations, and that is how you build your mentality.”
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.
