Professional footballers at the top level are under the microscope more than ever when it comes to gaining an edge in games. A millimeter can be the difference between success and failure and in a sport with so much at stake, efforts have gone in to ensure that every possible advantage that can be gained, will be.
From data analysis to medical staff, football away from the pitch has been revolutionised to ensure these athletes can perform to the top of their ability. One of the key changes that was improved in recent years has surrounded nutrition and the type of energy players are putting into their body.
However, for Kai Havertz, the idea of not eating sugar and the impact that has on him is the complete opposite to those that recommend footballers steer clear of it. Speaking with EHRENPFLAUME on Youtube, the Chelsea striker said: "So honestly, last summer I completely changed my diet and had a nutritionist.
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"I just wanted to become a bit more professional and everything like that. Did that for half-a-year actually and we had a cook in London at the beginning, who came every day and cooked for us. And I have to say, I did not feel good at all, this had the complete opposite effect on me.
"He [the nutritionist] said to me, because I'm a total sugar freak, you probably noticed I drink Coke after the game and I need sweets and stuff, because that gives me strength and energy, he said to stop completely with it. I stopped completely and that had the opposite effect on me.
"And then we got a nutritionist at Chelsea and he completely went the other policy and said 'Kai you need the Fanta, you need the Coke, drink one a day. At half time I get gummy bears, or Skittles, or something. He has completely followed the other policy and then I said ok, I'll do it again and that moved the push in my body and I was full of energy again."
It shows a completely different side to the professional game as we know it, given the overarching message against such food in football. It may be a stretch too far to suggest it's helped Havertz achieve an uptick in recent form, but players are human and feeling more comfortable could translate onto the pitch.
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