Kris Ajer has discussed the ‘Mental Training’ that has transformed him into Celtic’s first choice central defender.
Last September the young Norwegian sought out Louise Rodgers Holt (hopefully no relation to the Leicester City manager) to give an extra 24 hour focus ahead of matches with the results obvious to all.
In the second half of last season Ajer stepped up when Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata were unavailable with Celtic reaping the benefits.
As well as his ability his drive and will to win were obvious with his delight at blocking a tap in for Joe Worrall in the March Glasgow derby highlighting his commitment.
Ajer only turned 21 in April but clearly has much more years on his clock than others of the same age.
In an interview with Norwegian website VG he explained:
It’s amazing. I’ve got a different perspective on everything I do, says the Celtic stopper, who finished the season in Scotland as a fresh league and cup champion.
I don’t need a long time to get up. It’s about using the least possible energy before the fight, he describes.
If you have not thought through tasks and specific goals, it will only be “a new battle” that comes. If you think “I want to be an important contributor in this fight”, you go in with full focus, are more focused through the match and have a greater chance of succeeding in decisive situations
Last night Ajer was in the Norway side that lost a two goal lead to be held at home by Romania.