Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley has spoken about the techniques he has used to help improve his mindset and how they are helping to improve his performances on the pitch.
Indeed, this is not the first time O’Riley has discussed such matters. The Celtic midfielder has previously explained how he avoids checking social media and he has also been open and honest about the struggles he felt when he was out of the team.
Now, the 22-year-old has spoken up again and revealed the techniques he has been using to keep a positive mindset off the park which has been improving his performances on it.
The Hoops star was asked by a journalist how he has helped get into a better mindset and whether it was down to adjusting to life in Glasgow.
O’Riley said [Celtic YouTube], “I’ve always been settled in Glasgow. I think it’s probably more of a more of just a mindful kind of thing.
“When I’m on the pitch if you’re thinking if your head’s somewhere else or thinking too much then naturally you won’t be as focused on the game and what you need to do in that given moment.
“So when I’m in a place which is calm and clear and just with the flow of things then I feel good.
“And I feel like that’s where I’m at the moment.”
O’Riley was asked if that improvement comes with age or of it is something that he has worked on.
The Celtic midfielder replied, “It’s something that I have worked on and I work on it quite relentlessly as well off the pitch.
“Whether it be meditation or a lot of mindful practices and I just try to constantly improve whether it be as a person or as a footballer as well.”
O’Riley needs to be commended for being so open and honest about an issue that can be a taboo subject amongst most young men.
No doubt many of us have dealt with mental struggles at some point in our lives but not all of us would have the courage to be so open about them so publicly.
This just shows the maturity of O’Riley and the fact he has spoken publicly about this could help others speak out and seek help to improve their own mental wellbeing.
In other news, Belgian side named as ‘long-term admirers’ of young Celtic prospect Rocco Vata
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