Robert Lewandowski also says: eSport is sport. The Pole explained what he has in common with professional eSports players in Barcelona
A bumpy season ended for FC Barcelona at the weekend. Eliminated in the quarter-finals of both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, the Catalans finished well behind their great rivals Real Madrid in the championship. However, with a 2:1 win in Sevilla, Barca at least managed a conciliatory farewell for outgoing coach Xavi – also because Robert Lewandowski once again got on the scoresheet
“Mentality and physicality” indispensable in all worlds
It was the Pole’s 19th league goal, proving once again that he is still one of the best in his profession in his mid-30s. Lewandowski knows what it takes mentally and physically to perform at the highest level. “If you feel weak physically or mentally, your performance is not optimal. If you feel good, you can perform better,” summarizes the goalscorer during an interview in Barcelona, adding: “That’s how it is in soccer and in eSports. “
The postscript is no coincidence. Lewandowski is convinced that professionals in both the real and virtual world need “mentality and physicality” in equal measure. He therefore has an important tip for all ambitious gamers: “You have to be ready and completely focused, and you’re not that if you’re just playing. You also have to go to the gym or go running.” It’s important to create the best possible physical conditions in order to perform optimally on the pad: “I think that’s important in eSports. “
Balance between the virtual and real world
Lewandowski’s tip is not about playing on old-fashioned gaming clichés about overweight gamers who hardly ever go outside. Instead, he points to a balanced approach to training routines and lifestyle. “You need a balance. You can always find time to play, but also to be active,” he says, emphasizing: “Anyone can do both, but you have to know when and for how long. If one side falls short, it’s no good – no matter which of the two things we’re talking about.”
In fact, Lewandowski himself still occasionally finds it difficult to strike a balance – despite over a decade as a professional athlete. “I’m perhaps too active sometimes and then I need peace and quiet,” admits the 35-year-old, who is often helped to switch off by video games. True to the motto: “Football and gaming have a lot in common and it’s about finding a balance.”
