Busquets not resting on Barcelona laurels
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
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"When one season ends, another begins, and you start again from zero," says Sergio Busquets as he explains the mentality it takes to thrive at FC Barcelona.
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A UEFA Champions League victor with FC Barcelona in 2009 and 2011, midfielder Sergio Busquets has something of a winning habit. As his side take on FC Bayern München for a place in this season's final in Berlin, the 26-year-old tells UEFA.com what it takes to thrive in the most challenging club competition in the world.
UEFA.com: Is playing in the UEFA Champions League different from playing in domestic games?
Sergio Busquets: Yes, there's a big difference. For starters, it's impossible for the league to match everything that you get in the Champions League. All the best teams in Europe are involved. Here in Spain, in the Liga, the teams are maybe more technical, but I think the Champions League is more difficult, more physical.
After the group stage you have the knockout rounds, where a single goal really can punish you. In the league there is more margin for error; it's just about getting the three points and the result doesn't matter.
UEFA.com: You have won so much in your career; how do you maintain your motivation?
Busquets: It's about being professional. Professionals know that you always have to be as well prepared as possible in order to help the team to reach your objectives by the end of the season, which come in the shape of trophies.
When one season ends, another begins, and you start again from zero, and what you've won doesn't matter – it's about doing what's needed to win again.
UEFA.com: The pressure to succeed must be tough on you, mentally.
Busquets: The mental side is a very important part of the game. You have to prepare yourself to compete in different competitions against different teams every three or four days. Then in the summer you play in big tournaments for your country such as the World Cup or the EURO. There's very little time to relax.
The calendar is very intense. A fundamental part of the game is being able to cope both physically and mentally.
