Chelsea: Vinay Menon – the Premier League’s first fitness coach

“Didier was the first – Chelsea is like a big family and we just sit and eat in the canteen with the players and so we start a conversation organically while eating,” said Menon.

“He asked what I could do for him, and I told him that we can try it, and he asked me to try it right away. That was the moment where football opened up in front of me.

“After Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, John Terry started approaching me to try it.

“The medical department was amazing and made me part of their team, despite being from a different discipline.”

Menon’s sessions include meditation, sharpening the players’ mindset and eliminating negative thoughts that can come with the pressure and scrutiny of the top-flight.

“I am a person without a title, teaching players to take care of themselves and how to balance, spiritually, emotionally, and ultimately affect them physically,” said Menon.

“They are human and need a friend to giggle, talk to and then open up.

“You have to be mentally happy in sports and business. It’s the same – the mind is everything.”

Menon was a constant presence in Chelsea’s backroom staff for 13 years, working under managers such as Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and, finally, Thomas Tuchel.

“I had the chance to be part of all the trophies that Chelsea won from 2010,” he said.

“What an experience, it’s an incredible space, I miss it so much, frankly.”