Xavi Simons is one of the crown jewels of the Paris Saint-Germain youth system after prying him away from FC Barcelona’s La Masia last summer.
At 17-years-old, the Dutchman understands that he could potentially see first-team minutes next season with PSG especially after watching Tanguy Kouassi and Adil Aouchiche make appearances during the 2019-20 season.
As a result, Simons is training harder than ever to show the PSG leadership that he is ready for his moment to shine.
Improving his physical stature is at the top of Simons’ to-do list as the teenager will be going up against grown men in Ligue 1. To help with his transformation, Simons has been working out with trainer Jonathan Mengeli.
Furthermore, Mengeli is helping Simons prepare mentally for professional football, as it will be an entirely different experience as there will be learning curves. This ability to transition to a new level of football is why the teenager needs to know when to sit and absorb everything from the top-class talent at PSG.
Mengeli recently spoke with 90min about the training regimen he has assigned to Simons and fans can follow the progress on his Instagram account.
In order not to lose pace and keep Xavi’s growth, Mengeli prepared a special training for the period without football.
“When we entered confinement, and the championship was suspended, the clubs sent a program to keep players in shape, but it was a very generic program, not specific to each player. Xavi Simons’ parents contacted me. We talked and realized that there was a need to work on the points where Xavi needed to improve in order to make his debut in Ligue 1 next season.”
The sports trainer also spoke about the evolution and growth of the athlete in the midst of the new coronavirus pandemic.
“I know my job perfectly. I know what Xavi is like, his determination. I was convinced that we could do this. The process accelerated during the pandemic. It is difficult for an athlete to develop muscle mass quickly. However, during the confinement, there was no more ‘fighting,’ and we were able to work on the muscle mass.”
In addition to thinking about the athlete’s first steps in the professional, Mengeli also projected a great future for the midfielder.
“I will not ‘hide’; it is a very big promise. He has talent. He has everything to evolve at the highest level. If PSG signed him, it is because they expect to see him in the main group. I think what was missing was a little more ‘physical,” Mengeli said. “In Spain, we have a completely different game. In France, there is more physical impact. You need to be strong enough to compete and succeed in Ligue 1. The goal is for him to make his French Premier League debut next season.”
Finally, the personal trainer also pointed out that Simons wants to be one of the best in the world and that he has been constantly working to reach the top.
“He gives everything to be at this level. When I say everything, it’s not just football. He has a very elaborate routine. He prepares himself physically, but also mentally,” Mengeli said. “In addition to training the jewel, the professional also worked or still works with other high-level athletes, such as Moussa Wagué, from Nice, Kheira Hamraoui, from Barcelona, Moussa Dembélé, from Lyon, Micky Van Buren, from ADO Den Haag, and Merveil Ndockyt, NK Osijek.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
