All About Belief

Bernard talks to Everton’s matchday programme about his unwavering self-belief, the enormous responsibilities attached to representing Everton Football Club… and that catchweight scuffle with giant Antonio Rudiger.

- Paul McNamara

It is fitting that Bernard chooses a question about his grasp of English to respond without recourse to the interpreter sat next to him.

The topic is broached late in a half-hour conversation and the Brazilian’s answer sustains a theme coursing through this interview.

“It is better but I still need to improve,” says Bernard.

“I am becoming more confident and can understand more.”

Bernard is reserved by nature and he admits as much.

“A little bit shy”, he says when explaining his reluctance to speak in a foreign tongue.

Cross the white line, though, and he is a different beast altogether, infused with belief and attitude. Ready to express himself through the vehicle of high-end sport.

Belief is fundamental to Bernard’s character. In himself and in his manager. In the higher being, he thanks for “bringing me to Everton and for the opportunities I have had”.

“If a player has self-belief, he will perform at a level 40 per cent higher than if he does not believe in himself,” says Bernard.

“And I believe in myself. I haven’t come to Everton by chance.

“I thank God, too, for bringing me here and for the opportunities I have had.

“Football is a lot about the mind.

“You need to do a lot of psychological work, work to be mentally strong.

“You have to know what you require when you face difficult challenges and situations… that is when you need to think positively.

“To think about all the good and positive things you have done to reach this standard.”

Bernard joined Everton 14 months ago after five years playing with Shakhtar Donetsk, the mega-rich Ukrainian club which has been home to 35 Brazilians and counting since the acquisition of striker Brandao in 2002.