Despite months of bank frustration at Bayern, Marc Roca (25) never gave up, always gave full throttle in training.
At the end of November he finally got a chance because of the lack of personnel in midfield from coach Julian Nagelsmann (34). After four strong games there was even special praise in the dressing room.
In the BILD interview, the Spaniard explained how meditation helped him turn around in Bavaria.
IMAGE: Mr Roca, the first half of your second Bayern season is over. Your conclusion?
Marc Roca: “I was out for two months because of an ankle injury just before the start of the season. After that, it was very difficult for me to work out a place and to get working hours. Nevertheless, my personal conclusion is very positive. Also because I’ve played the last four games and felt very good. I train hard every day and I’m happy that the fans could finally see that on the pitch. I’m really looking forward to 2022. “
IMAGE: Stupid that the winter break falls into your best phase?
Roca: “That the break came right now, when I finally played and felt so good on the field, annoys me, of course. But I’m happy because it was important to me to deliver as soon as I got the chance. I did that. Now is the time to take a break to recharge the batteries with the family. But of course I’ll keep training to get back in top form. “
IMAGE: The cabin praise after the Stuttgart game must have been a special experience.
Roca: “Yes! The coach congratulated me in the locker room for throwing everything in and helping the team so much after not playing for so long. That he praised me in front of the entire team means a lot to me. I am very grateful to him. It gives me the confidence and energy to keep working hard. The trainer has always tried to help me and to support me in my development. What people have seen of me now is also thanks to him. At Bavaria, however, there is no time to lean back or be complacent. “
IMAGE: How did you manage to keep your motivation high even though you haven’t been rewarded for your commitment for a long time?
Photo: Tobias Hase / dpa
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/marc-roca-r–beim-torjubel-mit-leroy-sanenach- seine-30-gegen-wolfsburg-im-dezember-ce0df24b5db94b7ab660547c2ebe0083 -78678500 / image / 2.bild.jpg “/> Marc Roca (r.) Celebrating goals with Leroy Sané after his 3-0 win against Wolfsburg in DecemberPhoto: Tobias Hase / dpa
Roca: “I always have to make myself aware and accept that there are several world-class players in my position at Bayern who give everything, do their job well and deserve stakes. In such a constellation you have to try to keep your self-confidence and not stop fighting for every minute. I work with the visualization method, in which I imagine in my mind’s eye how I will be deployed and act on the field. That gives me the security when this moment occurs. “
IMAGE: So, do you have a psychological trick against negative thoughts?
Roca: “Yes, the concept is called mindfulness. I’ve been working on it with a coach for almost four years. At our level, you don’t have much time to think on the pitch. By the time you get the ball, you have to know what to do. So it’s good to hide everything else; the thoughts of the pressure, of the expectations that are placed on you, of anything that weakens the focus on the game itself. Before training and playing, I do breathing exercises to clear my head. “
IMAGE: You are a fan of motivational books. A reading tip?
Roca: “What I’m reading right now:“ Awaken the giant within ”by Tony Robbins. This helps you to develop the potential that everyone has within themselves. That suits my situation well. “
IMAGE: You meditate too.
Roca: “In addition to the breathing exercises, I like to do this on the morning of the game day for a good 20 minutes. Before a game, for example, I imagine leading the ball or winning a duel. “
“On game day I do breathing exercises”
IMAGE: They say you believe in fate. Do you see a deeper meaning behind your injuries?
Roca: “When I came to Munich, I still had problems with my left ankle. That bothered me a lot, didn’t let me shoot and run properly. During my last months at Espanyol, I even had to be injected. Hardly anyone knows that to this day. I think when I injured my ankle again during training last summer, there was something good about it: it was able to really heal. My ankle is now much stronger and ready for anything. “
IMAGE: Have you ever thought of switching?
Roca: “When I had little prospects in October and November despite my hard training, I started to think about it. I felt so excited to play! But as I ended this year, it is clear to me that I will stay. It would be a mistake to go. You could say that I am currently experiencing my best moment since arriving at Bayern – in terms of football as well as physically and mentally. “
“It is clear to me that I will stay”
IMAGE: What can you learn from players like Kimmich?
Roca: “First of all, Joshua is an incredible player and team-mate. He is always by my side to support me. We respect each other very much. That is Bavaria’s secret of success. Everyone wants everyone to be as prepared as possible when the trainer needs them to make the group as strong as possible. We take each other to the next level. I admire Joshua as a player and as a person. Of course I always have to keep an eye on him, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. We may have a similar character when it comes to our desire to develop ourselves and to win. He’s a great leader. It is a real luxury to share the cabin with him, Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso and Marcel Sabitzer. They are all world class. “
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