Interview with Loukas Maroutsis, football player of AEK B

How old are you, and how long have you been playing football?
I am 18 years and I started playing football at the age of 7.

What position do you play in?
I play centre defensive midfielder.

How did you balance football with school? Was it difficult?
In my opinion, if you are willing to sacrifice some of your free time, you can combine school and football. You have to be very disciplined and have a lot of determination and will to achieve your goals. I am not saying it is easy, but if you want it enough, you can do it.

Do you think stress affects your performance on the field? Why or why not?
Most players have stress before a big match or a big moment, but it is important to know how to control your emotions and not let them affect you. Confidence is the key to success, so if you manage to be confident in every situation, you will perform the way you want most of the time.

How did you manage stress from both football and school?
If you like to do something, you enjoy it, so there is not much stress. But in case I was stressed, I tried to remember my goal, and this is what made me want to continue.

Can you remember a time when you felt really stressed before a game or an exam? What did you do?
Yes, there were many times that I was stressed before a game. I didn’t do anything special to overcome that, I just went on the field and tried to play safe in the first 5 minutes. In this way, you build your confidence and you reduce stress.

Who do you go to for support when you’re feeling overwhelmed—your coach, your family, or someone else? Why?
Firstly, I try to solve everything by myself. If I can’t do that, I go to my family because they want the best for me.

How do you feel when you perform well in a game?
I feel great because all my hard work pays off.

How do you handle disappointment after a bad performance?
I try to watch my game again and see what didn’t go right. I try to not repeat my mistakes.

What advice would you give to other young footballers trying to succeed in both school and football?
To try to enjoy every moment and to never give up after a difficult moment.

What would you say to younger players who dream of becoming professional footballers?
To work hard, listen to everyone that tries to help you, and most importantly, be confident.