Erling Haaland’s use of mouth tape while he sleeps and glasses at night show the striker’s commitment to gaining an edge in his performances, Manchester City team-mate Jeremy Doku believes.
Premier League top scorer Haaland said last year that he wears blue-blocking glasses to help shut out “signals” when he sleeps, while taping his mouth – a tactic also tried by tennis number one Iga Swiatek – is designed to maximise breathing through the nostrils.
“There are things you see outside of the pitch with this squad that can help them get the best of themselves,” winger Doku told City’s website.
“Erling, for example, works on every little advantage, like wearing glasses at night and sleeping with tape on his mouth. Everyone is a role model because you can learn something from everyone you meet.”
2. Mouthtaping
Mouth taping helps ensure nasal breathing during sleep.
This improves oxygen intake, reduces snoring, and enhances sleep quality.
Erling tapes his mouth at night for sleep as well as as during his training sessions to breathe through his nose. pic.twitter.com/VTle1h98qV
— Dan Go (@FitFounder) June 25, 2024
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Doku: Kovacic ‘wants to be his best’
A £55.4 million signing from Rennes in August 2023, Doku scored his first league goal of the season as the Cityzens came from behind to beat Fulham 3-2 at home on Saturday.
The Belgium international, who has started in five of their nine games in the Premier League and Champions League, has also been impressed by central midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who scored twice against the Cottagers.
“After training sessions, I see the way Kovacic works on his body in the gym,” said Doku. “He’s not doing weights, but injury prevention. I admire that because it takes a lot of time and shows how much he wants to be at his best.”
Erling Haaland en admiration pour Jeremy Doku. 😍
🎥 @ManCity pic.twitter.com/RmlBHDD7WJ
— Joueurs Belges 🇧🇪 (@JoueursBE) January 9, 2024
Man City: Doku feels pressure
Doku named his father as his role model and said making his family proud is a key source of inspiration. “I want to make the name Doku more globally known than it was before,” he explained.
“Seeing everyone I love proud and seeing people recognise me and saying my name in a good way, that is amazing for me.
“There’s always pressure. Today you’re good and tomorrow you can be bad but that’s part of the job. When I don’t play well – whether I score or we win – I would be the first to say I didn’t play my best.
“After a game, I know myself well and how to criticise myself. That mentality really helps me. When I was 16 and making my debut, I didn’t think that I’d made it. I wanted to make the next step every time.
“I wanted to be involved in every game, then start every game, then make an important contribution in every game. At Anderlecht, Rennes and now City, that’s something I try to do in every team and season.”
