Baines Hoping Fine Margins Can Prolong Career

Leighton Baines has revealed how he is focusing on the fine margins in order to prolong his time at the top for as long as possible. 

Baines, who has captained Everton in their last three games in the absence of Club skipper Phil Jagielka, turns 33 in December. 

And having chalked up almost 400 appearances during his 10 years with the Blues, the full-back admits he is taking a meticulous approach when it comes to building on that tally. 
 
“I think that happens naturally,” said Baines. “I think I’m at a point where, for me, I’ve just got to try to be as close to perfect as possible in terms of how you live your life, your preparation, your recovery, being mindful of what you do when you step away from the training pitch and making sure you give yourself the best possible chance. 

“I think that’s the only thing you can do when you get into your thirties. I’ve already been in a lot of good habits throughout my career and you’re looking for anything of ‘what can I do to help my body and help myself’, but I’ve been able to do that. 

“We have a team of people here who you can have conversations with and just look in-depth into your diet. Recovery, preparation - all these things are key but I’m feeling good and enjoying it.”

Everton’s first-team players have recently moved into a new wing of the Club’s Finch Farm training ground boasting the latest in sports science and medical technologies.

Baines recognises it’s an aspect of the game that has advanced dramatically since his senior debut for Wigan Athletic in 2002 and that today’s players are provided with every opportunity to elongate their careers. 

“I feel like when I first started it was just creeping in and taking off a little bit and it just keeps growing and growing,” he said. “There’s so much to it now and everyone’s trying to find that extra one or two per cent wherever they can get it, and that can be a big thing in the game now. 

“I’m willing to invest that little bit of time because you want to go out onto the pitch in the best possible way that you can and I think it’s worth sacrificing or taking a few of the things off your plate and replacing them with something else because it might just help you a tiny bit.”

One such technology, though one that has been in use at Finch Farm going back over a number of seasons, is the cryotherapy chamber - a gloomy metal container kept at freezing temperatures that helps muscle repair after physical exertion. 

“The chryo is one thing I use but it’s not exactly pleasant going into that room at -130C!” Baines adds. “It’s just a few minutes, though, and if it helps it’s worth it. 

“It’s the same as when you might not always want to go in the gym and do your programme or certain exercises - you can find different ways to make it a bit more fun for yourself or find someone who’s on a similar programme who you can work with. 

“I don’t mind going off on my own, either. The tiny sacrifices can give you the best chance come the weekend.”