Interview with Mental Health Coach, Froso Patsou

How long have you been working as a mental health coach for football players?
I have been working as a sports psychologist for the past 17 years. However, I have been part of SEPAE since 2017, meaning for the last 8 years. As for working individually with football players from different teams, I have been doing that for about 15 years.

What strategies do you focus on to help players perform under pressure?
Elite athletes usually do not face significant pressure before major matches, as they have learned to manage this aspect. However, there are certain cases where injuries or unexpected situations disrupt their routine, making it more challenging. On the other hand, younger athletes or those at lower competitive levels may experience heightened anxiety. Regarding the strategies I use, it is a structured process that involves discussions and conversations with the players. The first step is to pinpoint the exact problem—identifying what specifically causes anxiety for the athlete. Then, we begin unraveling this “tangle” of thoughts, restructuring distorted thoughts into positive ones, seeing the other side of the coin, and decoding the sources of stress. Additionally, we apply various exercises that are tailored to the individual’s personality and specific needs to help them cope effectively.

In your experience, how does stress affect players’ performance on the field?
Stress affects performance in different ways depending on its source. However, the most immediate impact is on performance levels—an athlete experiencing stress is likely to perform worse. The biggest risk, however, is injury, which is something we absolutely want to avoid. Stress-induced injuries are a serious concern and preventing them is a key focus in mental preparation.

What methods or techniques do you teach players to manage stress effectively?
As I mentioned earlier, there is no magic wand or single phrase that can instantly solve the issue. It is a process of identifying the source of stress, exploring alternatives, and finding personalized approaches for each athlete. One technique that can be particularly effective is relaxation techniques and mental imagery. Once we have worked through other fundamental aspects, these techniques help the athlete gain control over their anxiety and thoughts, allowing them to manage stress in a structured way.

Can you share an example of a time when you helped a player overcome pre-game stress?
As you understand, I cannot disclose names due to professional ethics. However, I can mention a case that has been shared publicly on social media and does not involve Greece, so I am allowed to discuss it. A great example is a video of LeBron James, where, during a game, while the crowd is cheering and celebrating, he is sitting courtside practicing a relaxation and visualization technique to manage his stress and maintain peak performance. This demonstrates how even elite athletes use these techniques, whether they are having a good day or a challenging one.
Beyond that, I have worked with many athletes, both highly elite and less so, on stress management. However, confidentiality prevents me from sharing specific names.

What steps do you recommend to foster mental and emotional well-being in athletes?
Investing in mental health is crucial. Many associate mental health with a negative connotation, but I emphasize that education and investment in mental well-being are essential parts of overall well-being. Everyone focuses on training their body—exercising, eating right, and getting enough sleep. But in that chain, we must also add the link of mental investment, integrating it into daily routines in whatever way suits each individual best to achieve balanced well-being.

In times of stress, do you encourage players to turn to their coaches, teammates, or families? Why?
I do not recommend that players immediately turn to their coach, teammates, or family members when dealing with stress. While these people are very important—they are the “significant others” in an athlete’s life—they may not always provide the right solution.

They may either not take the problem seriously enough or, conversely, project their own personal experiences in a negative way, unintentionally amplifying the athlete’s anxiety. My advice is that players should talk to a specialist first. Then, if the specialist sees that additional support from others is beneficial, we can identify the right way to involve them. But the first point of contact should always be the mental health expert.

How do you help players recover emotionally from a bad performance?
I help players by analyzing the data, breaking down the reasons for the poor performance, and making them understand that it is not a matter of ability but rather that specific elements were not executed properly. By focusing on those aspects, they can improve their next performance.
Of course, as I mentioned earlier, there is no magic wand, and sometimes it takes more time, depending on the athlete’s personality and past experiences.

What role do you think mental health plays in achieving long-term success in football?
Mental health has long-term benefits and plays a crucial role in sustained performance. I always emphasize that “The body does what the mind wants.” However, the mind does not always do what the body wants, meaning that investing in mental health is not just beneficial but essential. While physical training and talent are important, if an athlete is not mentally strong, they cannot reach their full potential. Mental preparation is equally important as physical training and skill development in achieving elite performance and long-term success in football.