SILVESTRE GETTING BETTER

Last updated : 30 November 2003 By Editor
Silvestre:

"I think I have improved every year. At the start of the
season I set myself goals, areas to work on. Then, after
every game, I analyse myself so I know what I have done well
and what I need to work on.

"I don't study videos, I already know what mistakes I have
made, so I know where I can improve. You play so many games,
there is always something to work on.

"In previous seasons I have wanted to play central defence
because I believe my qualities are better suited to it.
Playing at left-back was hard physically - you have to be
clever at the back and good going forward. Now I prefer to
concentrate on being good at the back and helping to concede
fewer goals.

"For a long time I was preoccupied with my concentration
during games. If you are a striker and you lose
concentration, you give away possession but at the back of
your mind you know you'll get another chance. When you play
at the back any loss of concentration - even for a few
seconds - can be a problem. Any mistake can be punished.

"I think it was a problem I had but it's something I have
improved on. I didn't find a solution, it's just improved
with time and experience."