This should be the number one goal for a young player consciously building his future. The professionals – coaches, managers – must consider this when they give advice. There are some young talents, who can handle the challenges of the world, like winning in every circumstance and the possibilities of attractive professional contract offers. But players such as these are few and far between.
Most players have to take the hard road when trying to build their future. Before anything else, a player has to prepare himself so he can “win” the battles ahead. He must know and understand what he needs. He should not expect everything from his coach. He should build his future on his own with the help of his coach, doctor, physiotherapist, nutritionist, manager, legal advisor, accountant, etc. It created a surprise when Totti (Roma) included in his contract that his own fitness trainer and masseur be employed by his club.