“Lia won’t be the first or the last”

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Lia Wälti’s early departure from the national camp for the Easter weekend is unusual. Her post on Instagram, in which she speaks of psychological and mental exhaustion, raises questions. Is the Arsenal midfielder only taking a short break? Or is the national captain out longer?

For Nati and Arsenal team-mate Noelle Maritz, it is clear Wälti will be back in ten days when Arsenal play Wolfsburg in the semi-finals of the Champions League first leg. “It’s the only way Lia can clear her head for more than a day or two now. The last few weeks it’s one after the other and she’s played every game.”

“Every person is different”

According to Maritz, Wälti deserves to take a break. “We need them 100 per cent in the coming weeks, both at Arsenal and the national team.” Maritz herself has been used to such situations since she made the switch from FCZ to Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga in 2013. “Every game is about something. Every game is a situation of pressure and very demanding physically and mentally for every player.” Arsenal are also in the middle of the title race in the English league.

Maritz, who grew up in the US, feels no signs of wear and tear. “I feel good, but everyone is different. I enjoy being a part of all these competitions.” To take a break from all the hustle and bustle, Maritz prefers to relax at home, where she often calls friends and family. She uses the short break after the national team has moved in to her family in Thurgau for two days before returning to London.

Working with sports psychologists

Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic also understands Wälti’s departure. “Many don’t see what’s behind it and all the 1,000 things that hit you,” says Crnogorcevic, who is good friends with Wälti. It is important that you listen to yourself and recognize the warning signs early on. Crnogorcevic is also in the semi-finals of the Champions League with FC Barcelona, ​​having already won the most important trophy in club football twice.

The attacker works with a sports psychologist. There are times when you most want to go on vacation, Crnogorcevic said. “You want to give 100 percent, but you can’t. The tank is empty.” That can happen, but you have to get through it. “Lia will not be the first nor the last to experience this.”

Source : Blick