Old Goalkeeper Meets New Age
Fabian Broich, once a shot‑saving hero for Schalke 04’s esports squad and now the head of performance at Excel Esports, stepped off the virtual sidelines to tackle a problem he could spot at a glance: gamers’ eternal slump and their endless syrup cravings.
Why the Game‑On Drifters Aren’t Living Healthy Lives
- Flakes of Posture: The lean‑back heroes forgot that muscles need working.
- Caffeine‑Capped Chaos: Coca‑Cola, energy drinks — short‑term buzz, long‑term headaches.
- Sun‑>Screen Balance: Closed eyes, blue‑light glow, and a vitamin‑D meter that’s stuck on low.
- Sleep Roulette: “I used to jump onto bed at 4 a.m. and sleep until 2 p.m.” — not a buffer zone for tournaments.
The Four‑Pillar Game Plan
Broich rolled out a simple, four‑step strategy that makes the headlines, and the players:
- Sleep: Clock‑in at a sensible hour so the brain can recharge.
- Nutrition: Heavy on fresh, low‑sugar choices – fresh fruit, lean proteins, and a dash of green.
- Physical: Real‑world movement, not just controller clicks. Even a 15‑minute walk can reset posture.
- Mental: Periodic check‑ins with a sports psychologist to dodge burnout and stay focused.
Trust: The Secret Currency in the Team
At 29, Broich knows the teen‑aged, contract‑driven talent pool can be shy, irked, or outright dramatic. “It’s about honesty, trust and commitment,” he says. “I earn their confidence before pushing them to train or get feedback from coaches.”
He keeps coaching notes confidential, but when a coaching loop is warranted, he’ll tell a head coach, “Here’s what’s happening inside the mind – it speeds up improvement.” In short, it’s Uber‑like communication but for wellness.
From the Forefront: Ryan Pessoa’s Shift
Manchester City’s FIFA prodigy, 22‑year‑old Ryan Pessoa, shared his quick‑turnaround journey with a sports psychologist. “A year ago I thought it wasn’t a big deal,” Pessoa admits. “Now it’s a mental edge. I cope better when life gets grainy.”
His 10‑hour daily grind can play havoc with sleep. “Earlier, I’d go to bed at 4 a.m. and wake at 2 p.m.,” he recalls. “That’s not great for tournaments. It took months to set a proper schedule.”
Why It Matters
- Reduced frustration: Players laugh at the maze of emotions, instead of translating it to on‑screen frustration.
- Sharper focus: A calm mind nets sharper shots.
- Energy balance: With better sleep & nutrition, less reliance on sugary drinks.
- Team cohesion: When docs beep and players see sleep & posture checkpoints, trust builds.
Take‑away for The Gamers and The Coaches
One thing is clear: Wellness is the ultimate competitive upgrade. The old‑school goalie can still command a team – but with a new playbook, he’s ready to champion body, mind, and spirit all at once.
