HIGH CLUB PATRICIO: I HOPE IT’S MIND OVER BATTER IN ETIHAD CLASH
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BEAUTY is all in the mind for Rui Patricio – and he has told Wolves fans to start thinking big. The devout Buddhist (below) knows full well the value of a clear head after a career spent mainly in the front line for Portugal and Sporting Lisbon. He’s lifted countless pots for his club and was crowned a European champion for his country. But he is also a student of a Atma Kriya yoga, which teaches that its meditation fosters “complete physical, mental and spiritual well-being”. And, although other forces may suggest that facing a team at the Etihad that has just ended Liverpool’s unbeaten record and clobbered 16 goals in its next two outings is a tall order, Patricio has his sights set high. He said: “We have ambitions to do much more in the Premier League. We have the quality to be up there. “Knowing what we have here, this team will improve. I’m not talking about the players and staff – but I think the fans can also think bigger. “If we think small, we stay small. If we think big, we can get there. Our mentality needs to be like that as players and so does the club’s. “That was one of the things that made me come to Wolves. To accept the challenge to better myself – to improve – and maybe cause a surprise in this league. It will be a surprise to others, but not to us.” Patricio’s arrival at Wolves was something of an eye-opener, following a tumultuous end to his time at Sporting Lisbon. He had been a crowd favourite, but matters began to unravel towards the end of the season.
Being attacked in the players’ car park by his own supporters led to Patricio ripping up his contract, and ended with him arriving at Molineux, via agent Jorge Mendes.
No wonder he has sought quiet and tranquillity to focus his mind.
He added: “I do Atma Kriya yoga, which uses elements of meditation and I do that every day.
“I do it for my health and to feel good. You have to be on top form, both personally and professionally, and you have to be happy with yourself. I used to do physical yoga, but not anymore.
“I have faith in many parts of my life, mainly to be able to learn about myself and get to know what’s going on inside.
“It’s good to know how we’re doing psychologically and how to have a good life. They are tools that help me feel good from the inside – mentally. We have a psychologist, Julio, and he helps us too.”
Patricio took along a spiritual guide to the European Championship in 2016 – and Portugal confounded everyone by lifting the trophy.
And he says that Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has bought into the philosophy that a strong mind leads to strong performance.
Patricio added: “The manager has people who specialise in psychology.
“But he used to be a player too, so he knows when he needs to speak to us.
“He knows how to manage and our team feels good, as players we feel good. He knows when to support us or tell us off.
“The structure he has created around us is very important.
“He works at all levels – physical, tactical, technical and psychological.
“He’s the leader of a very well-formed team that helps the athlete reach the highest level.”