Hong Kong footballer says young players need to push themselves harder
Helio Goncalves tells city’s brightest young players to marry hard work to talent, or risk squandering potential
Hong Kong defender Helio Goncalves has urged the city’s young prospects to get serious or risk failing to fulfil their potential.
Goncalves, who was recently released by Kitchee following 11 silverware-laden seasons, said that even into his 40th year he would routinely beat the youngsters to training.
“In Hong Kong there are lots of players with huge potential, but something is missing,” Goncalves added. “They need to be pushed.
“I always told them they needed to arrive early [for training], go to the gym and prepare. Don’t get there 10 minutes before the coach says.”
Goncalves, who hired his own personal trainer around eight years ago, said players should also use their spare time for self-improvement.
“How can you show your quality if you train, then go home and sleep,” he added. “I knew I had to push myself; staying at Kitchee for 11 years is hard. It’s a big club with big ambitions, and they demand a lot.”