Live from The World Football Summit in Madrid, David Chimbaza speaks with Irina Saltykova, a mental performance coach based in Málaga, Spain, about the psychological side of football and athletic performance. Irina explains how she helps athletes perform under pressure, strengthen their mindset and develop the confidence needed to reach a higher level.
CONTACT IRNA: saltykova.pro@gmail.com
The conversation explores the mental challenges faced by both young players and adults, including fear of making mistakes, match-day anxiety, distraction, self-doubt and the pressure of feeling responsible for a team’s result. Iryna explains how one-to-one sessions create a safe environment where athletes can express their emotions honestly and begin to understand the thoughts affecting their performances.
Irina also discusses the differences between working with teenagers and adult athletes, highlighting how younger players may be more open about fear and nervousness, while adults can sometimes view emotional struggles as a sign of weakness. She explains why focus, confidence, emotional awareness and decision-making are essential parts of performance, particularly when technical and physical ability alone are not enough.
Finally, Irina shares how she supports athletes before games and competitions through practical tools, preparation techniques, communication and anxiety-management strategies. She also reflects on attending the World Football Summit for a second time, the value of meeting professionals from across the industry, and the importance of creating connections and collaborative opportunities within football and sport.
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