Six minutes in two games. Then a week of training where you give it your all, and then six minutes again. Eventually, you start to be cautious in training – just don't make a mistake. That's exactly what makes it worse.
Three questions before you get carried away
- Do you know what role the coach has in mind for you – or are you just guessing?
- In your minutes, did you do the job you were meant to?
- What was down to you, what to systemic issues, what to squad size?
Your worth isn't tied to the lineup
This sounds like a saying, but it's practical: if your only measure is playing time, you're completely handing over the evaluation of your work. Process goals give you a second measure that you control yourself.
And then speak
Not in the changing room, not right after the game, not with blame. Four sentences are enough. Most coaches react well to an honest development question – and their answer gives you something to work on.