Added: Dec 11, 2023
In this podcast episode, James Milner discusses his 21-year top-flight career in football, focusing on the hard work, dedication, and leadership that have contributed to his success. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and setting high standards for oneself, as well as the value of learning from others and being open to feedback.Milner attributes his success to a combination of hard work, support from others, and the values instilled in him by his parents. He emphasizes the importance of setting a good example, both on and off the field, and the need to earn one's place in the team through dedication and commitment. He also highlights the role of senior players in guiding and mentoring younger teammates, as well as the importance of listening and learning from others.
One of the key themes that emerges from the conversation is the idea of leadership and setting standards. Milner discusses the importance of leading by example and the need to hold oneself and others accountable for their actions. He shares examples of how he has mentored and guided younger players, helping them to understand the importance of discipline, hard work, and commitment.
Milner also reflects on the challenges he has faced in his career, including periods of frustration and disappointment. He discusses the importance of staying focused and motivated, even when facing setbacks or challenges. He emphasizes the need to remain dedicated and committed to one's goals, even in the face of adversity.
Another important theme that emerges from the conversation is the idea of sacrifice and making tough decisions. Milner discusses the sacrifices he has made in order to achieve his goals, including giving up alcohol at a young age and making difficult choices in his career. He emphasizes the need to stay focused and disciplined, even when faced with temptation or pressure from others.
Milner reflects on his time at Manchester City, where he joined during a period of significant investment and high expectations. Despite the pressure and competition from high-profile players, he remained focused on proving himself and being a leader on and off the pitch.
He discusses the difficulties of contract negotiations and the emotional toll of feeling undervalued by the club. Despite the success and trophies he won at Manchester City, he ultimately decided to leave for Liverpool, a decision that was both tough and necessary for his career.
Milner also shares insights into his relationship with managers, particularly Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. He highlights the importance of open communication and respectful dialogue, even when expressing dissatisfaction with playing time or decisions. He emphasizes the need to approach such conversations with a clear argument and a desire for constructive outcomes.
He recalls moments where Klopp's leadership and belief in the team's abilities were pivotal, such as during a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, where Klopp instilled the belief that they could overturn the odds and win.
Milner's mindset, characterized by relentlessness, is both his greatest strength and weakness. He acknowledges the need to balance his drive with the ability to switch off and recover. He also reflects on the impact of his father's advice to practice on both feet, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail in his approach to the game.
The footballer shares his experiences of winning trophies and the joy of celebrating with fans during parades. He also discusses the challenges of dealing with injuries and the uncertainty of his future in the sport. Milner expresses his desire to continue playing for as long as he can, while also considering his options for life after retirement. He acknowledges the need to find a balance between his career and family life, recognizing the sacrifices his family has made throughout his career.
Milner's advice for living a high-performance life is to fully commit to whatever one is doing. He emphasizes the importance of giving 100% effort in all aspects of life, whether it be training for a marathon, pursuing a career, or striving to be the best in a team sport. He believes that fully committing to one's goals and aspirations is essential for achieving success.
The footballer also reflects on the impact of his experiences and the lessons he has learned from playing with different teammates and under various managers. He highlights the importance of relationships and the strength of the dressing room in achieving success as a team. Milner shares insights into the culture and camaraderie within the Liverpool team, emphasizing the significance of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of unity among players.
