Football has changed over the last 5-10 years, with the mental aspect now taking on a lot of importance for players and clubs.
The social media revolution has a lot to do with it, with footballers more than ever exposed to possible criticism from supporters and spectators. Robert Lewandowski has acknowledged this and fears it could have a detrimental effect on young players.
In an interview with TVP Sport, he spoke about this situation, which could end up affecting some of his current teammates, notably Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.
Increased pressure
“ The people around you need to be prepared for what will happen if things get worse. Now there’s another generation, there’s Instagram, there’s social media, it’s even more difficult. Because they will not escape it, they will not stay within four walls. This is the challenge of football: will these players be able to mentally endure ten, twelve years or more? The pressure is enormous and few people would be able to cope with all this.”
Lewandowski also spoke about Cubarsi in particular, and he was full of praise for him. “ It’s been a long time since I’ve known a central defender, especially at his age, capable of passing the ball in a triangle with such calm. He’s also a great person.”
