'When your mind is free, you can do what you love freely' - Lyon's rejuvenated Corentin Tolisso

Physical and Mental Renewal

Since returning to OL in the summer of 2022 after a spell at Bayern Munich, Tolisso has once again become a key figure in Lyon’s midfield. The 30-year-old revealed that his physical data is now better than in 2017, particularly in terms of his ability to sustain high-intensity runs.

“I feel it on the pitch,” he explained. “Someone close to me told me that before, when I tracked back defensively, it looked like I was about to collapse. Now, when I run back, I do it at full pace, I stay upright, I feel strong.”

This transformation is all the more remarkable given his struggles with injuries in recent years. “Maybe I wanted to come back too soon every time,” he admitted. However, he insisted that he always took care of himself, rejecting any notion that his setbacks were due to a lack of professionalism. “At Bayern, it wasn’t like I was going out to nightclubs every day, eating poorly, not sleeping well, or failing to hydrate properly.”

The Mental Challenge

Tolisso also acknowledged the impact of his mental state on his performances, admitting that he was “a bit lost” when he first returned to Lyon. “The mental side is crucial! At Bayern, my mindset wasn’t great,” he revealed.

In order to regain his focus, he sought the help of a sophrologist, a specialist in relaxation and mental preparation. “When your mind is free, you can do what you love freely,” he added, underlining how much his improved mindset has contributed to his resurgence.

A Return to Les Bleus?

Tolisso has not played for France since Euro 2021, but he now harbours hopes of returning to Didier Deschamps’ squad. Whilst he didn't make the cut for Deschamps' March squad, he could still be in with a shout in the last set of internationals this season.

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