Nina Patalon: ‘We play with heart and belief’

WSC: How are you going about preparing your players for the big stage – psychologically, physically and tactically?

NP: We’re preparing as a whole team, but also individually – because each player’s needs are different.

Psychologically, we work with experts, because mental resilience is key at this level. We don’t want the pressure to paralyse us – we want to enjoy the challenge.

Physically, we’ve made sure our players have clear plans and support.

Tactically, we’ve evolved a lot – we’ve experimented, we’ve tested, and now we know how we want to play. And we keep working – because this is not a one-time success. It’s a process.

WSC: How are you going about preparing yourself and your coaching staff for the big stage?

NP: Just like the players, we have to stay sharp and open-minded. I don’t pretend to know everything. I have a great staff around me – specialists in various areas – and we operate as a team.

I’ve always believed that good leadership means bringing the right people together, trusting them and creating a culture where everyone feels responsible. I’ve also learned a lot from international mentorships and collaboration. I’m still learning – always. That’s part of the job.

WSC: As a coach, what learning opportunities will you take from the tournament to help your development?

NP: Tournaments like this are the best classroom you can find. You face top teams, world-class coaches, high-pressure environments. It’s a chance to learn about your players, your staff, and yourself.

I’m looking forward to learning more about game management, preparation under pressure, and how to respond to unexpected situations. But also about leadership. I want to come out of this experience a better coach – and a better person. I always say: every day in this job teaches you something new. Euro 2025 will be no exception.

WSC: What does success look like for you at the tournament?

NP: Success, for me, is not just about results. Of course, we want to compete – and we will. But our first goal is to play to our full potential. To show who we are, how far we’ve come, and where we’re going.

If we can walk off the pitch with our heads held high – knowing we gave everything, that we inspired someone watching us – then that’s success. And if along the way, we manage to break another barrier or surprise someone – even better. But we don’t play with fear. We play with heart, and with belief.