Erling Haaland, Manchester City's prolific striker, has admitted that the relentless football calendar is taking a toll on his mind and body. With the new season underway, the Norwegian international has had little time to recover from World Cup duties, and he's already feeling the strain. In a candid interview on his official YouTube channel, Haaland shared his concerns about the lack of a proper off-season and how he's coping with the demands of elite competition.
Despite scoring three goals in his first three matches for the English champions, Haaland confessed that skipping a traditional preseason has made it difficult to switch off from the game. "It's been a challenge," he said, "because you go from one tournament straight into another, and there's no real break. You have to find ways to keep your mind fresh."
Chopping wood: a rustic escape from the pitch
To combat the mental fatigue, Haaland has turned to an unlikely pastime: chopping wood. The 26-year-old revealed that spending time outdoors, splitting logs, and relaxing by the fire at his home has become his primary outlet for mental peace. "It's just me and the wood," he explained. "It's simple, it's physical, and it clears your head. Sitting by the fire afterwards gives me a sense of calm that I don't get anywhere else."
This rustic routine might seem out of place for a global football star, but for Haaland, it's a way to reconnect with nature and find solitude away from the spotlight. "In this life, you're always surrounded by people, always in front of cameras," he said. "Chopping wood is my escape. It's just me, the axe, and the trees. It's the only time I feel truly alone."
Physical vs. mental demands
While Haaland acknowledges that his physical conditioning can be maintained through careful training and recovery, he emphasizes that staying mentally sharp is a far greater challenge. "Your body can be ready, but your mind needs rest too," he noted. "When there's no real break, you have to find ways to rebuild that hunger, that desire to compete. It's not easy."
The Norwegian forward, who has been linked with a potential move to Barcelona in the future, remains positive about his situation. "I'm privileged to play football at the highest level," he said. "But that doesn't mean it's not demanding. I'm learning to manage it."
Maresca's rotation plan
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is well aware of the physical toll on his key players. Speaking ahead of the Champions League opener against Porto, the Italian tactician confirmed that the coaching staff will actively manage player minutes to prevent fatigue and injuries. "We have a plan for Erling," Maresca said. "He's a vital part of our squad, but we need to ensure he's in peak condition for the crucial stages of the season. That means giving him scheduled rest periods."
This approach mirrors the broader trend in European football, where clubs are increasingly mindful of player workload. As the season progresses, Haaland's minutes will be carefully monitored, with an eye on both domestic and European competitions. The strategy is not just about keeping him fit, but also about preserving his mental sharpness.
For fans of the Premier League, Haaland's form is crucial to City's title ambitions. But for the player himself, finding balance is key. "I love this game," he said. "But I also need to take care of myself. Chopping wood helps me do that."
As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Haaland's unique coping mechanism and Maresca's rotation policy play out. For now, the striker seems determined to find his rhythm, one log at a time.
