Paulo Bernardo is drawing inspiration from his fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo on how to manage the pressures of performing at an elite level. As Bernardo steps up for Celtic in the Champions League, he looks to Ronaldo’s legendary work ethic and winning mentality as a blueprint for success on Europe’s biggest stage.
Paulo Bernardo believes Cristiano Ronaldo provides the perfect example of how to handle the relentless demands of top-level football at Celtic. The Portuguese midfielder thrives on high-pressure games as he builds his career at the club. Under Brendan Rodgers, it’s a constant grind of big matches, the expectation to win, and the challenge of maintaining a spot in the team.
Celtic are in the midst of a physically and mentally exhausting stretch, with a crucial Champions League clash against Atalanta just five days after their top-of-the-table Premiership battle with Aberdeen. Bernardo is keen to draw from Ronaldo’s elite mentality to keep pushing forward in these intense situations.
After the showdown in Bergamo, Celtic face another European heavyweight in RB Leipzig, followed by a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. On top of that, crucial league fixtures against Motherwell, Dundee, and Kilmarnock are packed into the schedule before the next international break.
For Paulo Bernardo, who also represents Portugal at the Under-21 level, there’s no chance to slow down during these club shutdowns, but that’s exactly how he likes it. The midfielder thrives on the non-stop action, embracing the demands of both club and country as he continues to grow into a key figure for Celtic.
As scrutiny grows over the demands placed on top-level players—especially with his manager recently commenting that the game may soon become a year-round commitment—some players are struggling to cope. However, Paulo Bernardo has the ideal role model in Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players in history who has thrived at the highest level for two decades.
Ronaldo’s exceptional talent propelled him to the top, but it’s his relentless work ethic and commitment to fitness, even as he approaches his 40th birthday, that have allowed him to maintain his elite status. Bernardo recognizes that this dedication sets Ronaldo apart from the rest, stating, “Yeah, for sure. I think that is what separates him from the rest of the players.” Inspired by this level of commitment, Bernardo is determined to embrace the challenges ahead in his own career.
“His mentality is incredibly strong, and he focuses on football like no one else,” Bernardo said of Ronaldo. “He’s an example for me, and I can learn so much from him. The top players at the biggest clubs have always operated at this level and consistently played in high-stakes matches. We need to be ready to meet those demands, too.” Bernardo is clearly motivated by Ronaldo’s unwavering dedication and aims to adopt a similar mindset as he navigates the challenges of elite football.
While the packed schedule isn’t ideal, Paulo Bernardo acknowledged that players have mixed feelings about it. “I think some players worry about it, and some don’t. It’s a lot of games, and for some, it might be challenging if they’re not prepared or have issues with their fitness,” he explained.
However, Bernardo is eager to embrace the challenge, stating, “For me, as many games as I can play, I will play happily. This is the life at a big club, so we need to be prepared and focus on the next game rather than worrying about the others.” His positive attitude reflects his commitment to rising to the demands of playing for Celtic.
“We need recovery after the games, and during weeks with more matches, we can’t train too hard; we need to rest as well,” Bernardo noted. “It’s always challenging to navigate these types of weeks, but it is what it is, and we need to perform. This is what I dreamed of, so I won’t complain—I want to play every game.”
He emphasized that, amidst such demanding schedules, mental resilience is just as important as physical fitness. “While sometimes the physical exertion can limit what the body can handle, having the desire and determination in your mind is crucial,” Bernardo stated. This mindset reflects his commitment to overcoming challenges and performing at his best for Celtic.
Bernardo elaborated on the mental aspect of maintaining performance, stating, “Yeah, I think if you feel tired or believe you can’t do it, you’ll feel more fatigued. But if you approach it with the mindset that you’re fresh for the next game, it makes a difference.
”He acknowledged that while physical exhaustion can take a toll without breaks or rest, the mental side is equally important: “It’s mental too, and having the right mentality is a big part of being able to play.”
Brendan Rodgers has strategically built his squad to maximize both individual and collective performance. With strong competition for places and the flexibility to rotate personnel, the Celtic boss has various options to keep the team fresh and vibrant throughout the grueling schedule.
Bernardo’s role in midfield exemplifies the depth of talent within the squad. He shares the position with captain Callum McGregor, Belgian international Arne Engels, Japanese star Reo Hatate, and Scotsman Luke McCowan, each bringing their unique styles and cultural backgrounds to the mix, ready to step in as needed by Rodgers.
The strength of this midfield unit means players must accept that there will be times when they play and times when they don’t. Bernardo embraces this reality, stating, “Yeah, for sure. I think the coach will select the players he believes are best suited for each moment. Sometimes we’ll have to wait for our opportunity, and when it comes, you need to show up and step up for the team.” His readiness to contribute underscores his commitment to the collective success of Celtic.