Can I be Overconfident in Football?

Football Player:

I'm a Danish student playing football(in Denmark). In Denmark we don't have a lot of players and because of that (and that I’m one of the best youth players) I’m playing running back, kicker and outside linebacker. Usually I’m VERY confident sometimes too confident because I think I’m much better than the other players. In other words, I don't have respect for my opponents. This is only enforced by the fact that at senior we are 5-0 and junior 3-0. How can I regain the respect for the other teams?

Dr. Cohn’s Answer:

It’s not a bad thing to be confident. I’m not sure that it is overconfidence that you struggle with. I think what the issues is if I understand you is the fact that other athletes see you as cocky or too arrogant because of your success and inner confidence. Does this sound right? Athletes that are losing or that are not confident have a problem with other confident athletes. I’m not sure you need the other teams’ approval or respect. I think you need to stay confident and don’t act humble just because you want others to respect you.

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