Ollie Watkins: “I feel like I can do more”

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In this episode, Jake and Damian sit down with Premier League footballer Ollie Watkins, discussing his staggering journey from non-league football to reaching the Champions League.
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England and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins joins us on High Performance after a breakthrough season, achieving the most assists in the Premier League. Ollie opens up to Jake and Damian about his route to the top, discussing his rejection from Exeter City at age nine, struggling with concentration, and his determination to prove people wrong.
Reflecting on key mentors and moments throughout his career, Ollie highlights the impact of High Performance culture, emphasising the importance of humility and consistency instilled by coaches such as Unai Emery. He advocates for breaking down the stigma around mental health challenges among athletes.
Ollie also recalls the pressure of scoring his first goal for Aston Villa, highlighting the memorable feeling of a weight being lifted from his shoulders when his aim became a reality. He shares a defining moment against Arsenal, where his goal and celebration asserted his belonging in the Premier League.
This episode uncovers the remarkable journey of one of England's most promising footballing talents; from Ollie’s humble beginnings, to his Premier League success and Champions League aspirations.
0:00 Introduction
0:37 What Is High Performance?
1:38 Non-League To Champions League
8:07 🚨 Huel
8:46 Dreaming Of The Premier League
13:47 Working With a Life Coach
21:03 Losing In The Final
24:14 Time To Move On
29:00 🚨 Eight Sleep
29:52 Mental Health Struggles
30:44 Enjoying The Abuse
36:11 Footballer's Weekly Routine
38:38 Keeping Your Circle Small
40:53 Unai Emery's Influence
47:24 Winning a Trophy
48:32 England Hopes
53:03 Quick-Fire Questions
#HighPerformance #OllieWatkins #AstonVilla #UnaiEmery #UCL

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

🚨 *GIVEAWAY!* Fancy winning a signed Ollie Watkins England shirt? To enter, Like, Subscribe and Comment your favourite moment from the episode 👇

[@peterlewis3071]

I love how he reiterates so many times the importance of staying humble and grounded, and the fact that he doesn't want to be seen as a 'flash person'. That's so heart-warming and restores your faith in the game.

[@dennisgoatimer1079]

I love how he came out of his shell being all shy to being the proud and humble human being that he is.

[@Samohsa]

where he talks about not going thru the academy and working his way up thru english football

[@pigspremium2957]

My Favourite part in the episode was how Dean Smith Signed Ollie at Brentford then again at Villa. UTV

[@stephenmarks6383]

It's all the one per-cents. Love this guy.

[@Lewis88-wr6sm]

Such a genuine, humble guy who is also a model professional. UTV!

[@Tomc_vodslam]

As a Villa fan Ollie comes across as a model professional. Over the seasons with us, we have seen his self-belief increase and he's being rewarded with goals and assists. UTV

[@jimbo200]

Well rounded eloquent and never seen him swear, credit to his family and to Villa. Class act.

[@beaumont6541]

Agreed and so are you Jimbo!

[@hottakehylas]

Never seen him swear. Ok grandad.

[@alexblanchard120]

As a Villa fan, this is why we have always taken to Ollie and would be gutted if he left. He comes across as such a good lad with a humbleness reflective of how he has developed through the Leagues. Wouldn't swap him for anyone - he is a great role model and proud to say he is a Villan. Go get that PL record for us!! UTV

[@sidkings]

@1:35 a special moment would be semi finals Euro 2024🎉. What a goal.

[@thewalkingpotofjam]

should’ve been the POTY this season - 19 goals, 13 assists is incredible

[@linky8899]

AND NO pens 100% POTS

[@jeffrybungle2502]

No penalties is amazing, 19 goals from open play and people still think Palmer and tony are better... insanity

[@ottawasenspb]

Sky 6 bias. If he played for one of those, 100% he would be POTY with these numbers.

[@renegadechopsgaming4336]

@@ottawasenspbfr if he played for a London club he’d be poty

[@hottakehylas]

​@jeffrybungle2502 Palmer plays Inna completely different positions though. Useless to compare

[@LteasAVFC]

Ollie has a special place in all the hearts of ua villa fans. Hes a great humble guy and is very talented. I really hope he shines in the Euros and proves the doubters wrong. Ollie to start then bring Kane on around the 60 minute mark. ❤UTV

[@Salacious-Crumb]

Just class in every way an intelligent footballer who always seems to be learning never rests on himself UTV

[@grahamlegerton2680]

Such a quality player and professional. So instrumental in Villa's transformation and so critical to the continued project. Works so hard, allround scoring ability, provides great assists as well and clearly listens to Emery... it is paying off. UtV and would not be surprised at all if he transforms Englands chances. Makes you proud to be a Villa fan. Watkins and Konza finally getting the recognition they deserve

[@darrenwoolley8433]

We love Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa he's been brilliant for us brilliant episode. UTV

[@stevejohnson9234]

Bottom half next season

[@darrenwoolley8433]

@@stevejohnson9234 We will see. UTV

[@TomHancox-qe5gd]

@@stevejohnson9234 bore off

[@Jamescoff]

@@stevejohnson9234 at least we’re in the champions league instead of the championship 🤫

[@paulmersonvillalegend1192]

@@stevejohnson9234 you’re clueless

[@markpowell9042]

Best all round forward in the world. From my home town exeter to the team I've supported since 5 the villa. We love u ollie

[@bagofbags4315]

Robbed of player of the season. 19 goals no pens and 13 assists. Legend.

[@philliplloyd8336]

Well said villa 👏

[@tomwebb0811]

Villa legend Ollie Watkins 🙌

[@iwave2548]

Hes becoming one and will be one if he carries on his progression with us

[@Paratus7]

Watkins has worked hard to get here. Solid professional. UTV

[@PazLeBon]

funnny how a pro is congratulated for being a pro :)

[@djmacncheezy8885]

Such a lovely guy utv

[@jkd82]

Great interview. It crazy to think he was at Weston super Mare on loan a few years back! Makes me wonder did those years playing for Exeter in the lower leagues made him more hungry than some? His improvement in the last 2 seasons has been absolutely fantastic. We Villa fans always believed in him!

[@Hassan-vb8tx]

Favourite Moment? Probably how he still remembers the words of his mother. A lot is made about footballers and personal lives. The fact he still remains so humble to remember those words from his mother truly shows what type of player he really is. #UTV

[@Neil_Not_Neal]

My favourite part of episode was Ollie saying mates would not let him 'get too big for his boots' shows he is self aware and grounded

[@trinityb712]

my favourite part of the episode was hearing Ollie speak about how he has invested in his mental health. it’s refreshing to hear and not spoken about enough in the football community and for men in society in general!

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

Congratulations! You’ve won the signed Ollie Watkins shirt! Please email: [e-mail] with your details so we can arrange sending out your shirt. Thanks for your support!

[@spawnybarca]

The idea that the journey is the goal is a great understanding for one so young!!!

[@linky8899]

Difference between OW then and now is his ruthlessness and clinical edge in front of goal. UTV

[@stevendeakin]

Such a nice, humble, determined guy who is a true role model in a profession of arrogant personalities! Can't wait for him to break Gabbys record and be our leading Premier league goal scorer! Great episode guys UTV

[@PazLeBon]

" gary shaw, hes bound to score" best since him? better than gabby but better than yorke?

[@PatrickJScahill]

Really great guy. Some would hide the fact they need some support but Ollie says it as it is. That is what makes him human and brilliant. I reckon his going to be a serious manager some day.

[@chrisavfc6617]

Top lad brilliant attitude! Go and smash it again next season Ollie 👌❤️

[@martintaylor-reid4141]

Absolutely fantastic person and a great footballer! Having belief is essential in elite sports, and Ollie has grasped the importance of KNOWING that he has the mindset of a Premier League player now. Belief and Knowing are the two essential ingredients to make it in any sport, along with your conscious mind, subconscious mind, higher self, and imagination. You derserve success Ollie and you will become even better. All the best, Ollie.

[@markh2k2]

Well done Ollie, really good human and a top top striker. Hard work has paid off 👏🏾

[@scottofthearctic]

Favourite moment was probably the Emery story where he installed the confidence by saying youre my main man. I do like Ollie's mindset and how he's been very aware of goals and what he could achieve and then does it.

[@quokkapirquish6825]

Intelligent and energetic player, plays to 100% of his ability week after week, month after month. Looks like England’s number one striker now.

[@practicallydoesnotcount]

His humility shines throughout the interview ❤

[@avonbarksdale990]

real grafter UP THE MIGHTY VILLA 🦁🦁🦁

[@leighbakeruk]

He’s done Devon proud ! I’m not a Villa fan but follow OW from over here in NYC (via Sidmouth!)

[@BlackRuum]

I always wanted to know about the aggressive side of his game and this interview has answered all those questions. I personally always wanted him to be more AGGRESSIVE. But as he has said that is not who he is. But he has produced the goods in goals this season and thats good enough for Villa and England...UTV

[@sunilpatel754]

Unbelievable season, this is only the beginning, UTV 🎉

[@andrewtaylor3139]

Love Ollie Watkins. He's a great footballer and improving each season. I hope he can score some goals for England in the Euros. Come on England!! Up the Villa!! I would be proud to wear his shirt. 👌

[@cjwgray]

Superb Ollie. Should have been player of the season. 💜💙

[@land_fisher]

Love Ollie from Canada 🇨🇦 ❤️ ⚽️

[@gabana4822]

Ollie Watkins. Elite mentality. Elite baller this one.

[@James-vv7vh]

He sure was ready 🎉❤

[@edwardtreadwell3859]

Ollie is a great player. Much improved all round. Unfortunately, Southgate's style of play doesn't always suit Ollie. He thrives on fast break outs and quick wingers who cross accurately.

[@jkd82]

Good point. Sourgate has left most of the wingers at home. It's difficult to work out the strategy except, safe, boring, conservative. I have a feeling that isn't going to work at the Euros, i think there is going to be an accent on attacking with pace and energy..

[@finley4836]

What a bloke what a season the team as got so much better as a villa fan I’m 45 UTV hope we keep going 👊🏻

[@karpesha10]

I really enjoyed the interview. I'm a big Ollie fan. I can't put into words how much he inspires me. I don’t know English, I watched it through a translator. I have a 22/23 season kit with Ollie's number and surname. A friend gave it to me and sent it to Ukraine. thank you very much for the interview!

[@hottakehylas]

What a great lad. Hope he wins us a couple of trophies and gets that Arsenal move he always dreamt about before he retires. UTV

[@kingwza8792]

Who said he’s always dreamt about a move to Arsenal? After we beat them at Emirates he said he used to be a fan but that’s in the past now.

[@evieroberts4102]

He is a very good role model and player 😮

[@MojoStone]

such a down to earth guy .. and great to be part of the success at #AVFC .. always prepared to work hard - a product of learning the trade .. all the best Ollie .. and #UTV !!

[@MrIanji]

Great player and lovely guy, up the mighty Ollie!!

[@JoWatson-vu5ft]

As a Villa fan OW11 is a great player and all round good, humble guy… Great interview, best part was Ollie showing he’s human and working on his mindset with a life coach UTV! 💜💙

[@HighPerformancePodcast]

Does Ollie deserve to start for England this summer? ⚽

[@thebrummycarper3866]

Most definitely most improved striker in the premier league UTV

[@LteasAVFC]

For me, ollie has to start then kane to come on around the 60/65 min mark

[@0hMattyboy]

Should be playing with two up top, Ollie the furthest forward and Kane a slight bit deeper. Shame we've got so much attacking talent that we'll never see it happen.

[@dopeyrelaxingsounds8607]

@@0hMattyboy This right here is so true. Both of them have attributes that the other doesn't. Too bad Southgate is a braindead frying pan.

[@bagpussmacfarlan9008]

@@0hMattyboy It's not a shame...I take it all the comments here are from Villa fans 😂He's good but I think the rest of the country would hope he doesn't get a game as it probably means Kane is broken

[@user-uc7ky8fs5t]

This is always kind person ❤

[@thefilmandmusic]

Not only is he a great player..he’s a good guy..A credit to the club

[@mattking1879]

Thanks for interviewing a Villa player, Jake. Hope you're well. Matt

[@louis1869]

Easily the best Striker I’ve seen at Villa Park. Yorke doesn’t count because he left at the peak of his powers!

[@sk8er737]

Great to see how far Ollie has come and totally deserves UCL football this season with us. Hard work always pays off!

[@johncully4699]

I liked how Human he is

[@jonathanlittle8393]

What a great bloke

[@Vibes_FC]

The good thing is he most likely will have a tournament as the number one striker. Kane be 32/33 next world cup. Watkins would have just turned 30... if not world cup then defo the next euros. Lets hope he deserves a tournament as the main guy. ❤

[@DISTER141]

Ollie watkers!!!!!!!!

[@PaulLevin-vt3gg]

really liked his perspective of 'enjoying the abuse'. Such a likeable, normal guy like he says. Playing with passion for his club! Great podcast!!

[@jackpewter8076]

Very good hair line i'll give him that.

[@funkymoped537]

“Do you feel ready to be a striker for England at a major tournament?” One month later… “OLLIE WATKIIIIIIINS!!!!!!!”

[@benc251]

POTY all day long. Love how hes so young but staying humble. This lads going places. Watch this space. Brillaint interview, well put together and really insightful. UTV VTID. Roll on August 🦁✌️

[@shelleyc5432]

The change at VP. What a time to be a Villan ❤️🦁💜💙

[@danuvilla]

The Goat

[@GriffsUp]

Honestly believe he's the best striker Villa have had for the past 30 years.

[@joysorrow3655]

48:32 yep! he's ready ;)

[@fargus3486]

When Watkins exploded with the hatrick against Liverpool

[@jonnymallett108]

Top target for any club 💯👍✨

[@BlackRuum]

Very very good striker but more importantly AbsolutelY QualitY PersoN... Without him Aston Villa would not be where we are today... UTV

[@ChroniclesOfCallum]

The only thing that could top England winning the Euros this summer would be Watkins scoring the winner.

[@user-rm6cj7yj9i]

If I was arteta and arsenal I’d be going all out for this lad he would be the difference from winning them the prem

[@richardholmes8027]

Great guy. Utfv.

[@davidomahony1998]

Watkins is a baller

[@villainofthepiste8275]

Regardless of the fact that I am a Villa fan so obviously have loved Olly for his work rate, commitment, assists and goals...but WHAT A THOUGHOLY GREAT BLOKE!!

[@AndersJensenTH]

Didn't like the "Young Lad" much at first, but see what he has become now! UTV

[@airtonmaciel2724]

They could have explored better the Conference League and the situation involving the injured players, how they dealt with that. But it was a nice chat

[@joekeatingg]

Yeah very surface level chat, not great questions.. great guy tho.. UTV

[@TomCushnie]

England win "omg watkins such a nice guy.. checkout my podcast :)))" absolute melt!

[@thomasmcandrew8822]

Towards the end they say do you feel people still under estimate you. Absolutely they do. The weeks leading up to the Euros the “expert” pundits were throwing around if Southgate takes only two strikers will it be Ollie or Toney. The disrespect to not automatically say that someone who has had over 30 goal scoring contributions deserves to be in the squad over someone who scored 4 goals (yes he missed most of the season) but still it ridiculous! UTFV

[@dezzhoudini9046]

Lets not forget, to get in a cat 1 training academy you need parents with stupid money to spare, grass roots is the only way for some.

[@jimbo200]

Thanks Unai! 😂

[@MichaelSmith-Rowe-cl3ez]

Next season let’s see if he’s consistent??

[@johncully4699]

Man United, GET HIM SIGNED ❤

[@pontshonakampe6866]

Is this guy who left the UCL last season. He's still alive ❤ 😭

[@yippyialeftside8351]

What about future? N Bastard Gerrard ?

[@user-rm6cj7yj9i]

And steven gerrard played him left wing lmao

[@thesampsoninstitute]

Lmao he definitely would change his time at WSM for the world. Dude would have earned many more millions.

[@dennisgoatimer1079]

I really don't think he would it helped make him the player he is toughing it out in the lower leagues is a massive experience boost for young players it's the foundation of his success today.

[@OpenDoorEnglish]

Two interviewers sound like they chain smoke cigars!

[@JohnVilla1960]

Unfortunatly he doesnt get the service for England.

[@AS088]

This mans gotta sign with Arsenal

[@dennisgoatimer1079]

No he's at the better club

[@RoadTripperrr]

Unmatched hairline

[@simonjames772]

Trafford Arnold Walker James Shaw Stones Rice Bellingham Palmer Kane Rashford

[@daffyddduck2419]

Go Olly this season , up the Villa , he should have played every game in the Euros instead of useless Kane

[@BlackRuum]

UTV

[@irakozes2439]

Of course Arsenal had to come in this video😢

[@swankey2006]

So a manager should be can’t just be a soft one then that’s why most of the bottom 3 teams who go down because of soft managers

[@dennisgoatimer1079]

Luton's manager isn't soft he's just a good man manager

[@PazLeBon]

9 year olds on trial, kinda mad aint it

[@anthonypilmer8577]

Do you know what is your olive Speak like that

[@tombombadil66]

Cant see wout to barca ...naaar...i hope wilf stays.

[@Impreza_mcrae]

What a boring interview, shame for Olly UTV

[@jkutv]

😂 😂. I'm two mins in and jake has the charisma of a wet flannel. Phuck me. His voice and his cadence and his lack of ball knowledge and lack of humour etc. The other guy as well adds nothing.

[@joekeatingg]

SO boring.. such dull questions. UTV

[@jkutv]

@@joekeatingg jake has the charisma of a wet flannel. And the Co host isn't any good either. Such a boring set up, I switched off after a couple of minutes. No chemisty whatsoever.

[@torodfs7593]

first? haha

[@haroldnorwalk9818]

Interviewer 🗑️🗑️