Postecoglou urges game to open up on mental health
ANGE Postecoglou says Richarlison is not the only footballer dealing with serious mental-health problems.
But the Tottenham head coach believes football puts up a curtain to hide the kind of issues his striker recently opened up on.
Postecoglou has not spoken to Richarlison yet about the tearful interview in which he revealed he considered quitting.
But the Australian said: “It’s not that uncommon. Not in my experience. They’re human beings.
“But for the most part it’s always dealt behind closed doors. There is so much that goes on at clubs.
“In every other industry you’ve got people struggling with things. Football is no different.
“But we’ve got to put a strong curtain up and it all gets hidden behind there.
“I guess it’s striking because players or managers or people involved in football haven’t come out publicly before.
“But I can assure you, there are problems that players and people involved in our industry deal with.
“The amount of money you have in the bank balance or your fame doesn’t shield you from that.”
Richarlison could face another player today in Luton’s Ross Barkley who has spoken about his own mental-health issues.
The midfielder currently seems to have his demons under control, and is playing some of the best football of his career.
Postecoglou, below, said: “He’s had an unbelievable season. It’s a credit to him. Sometimes, particularly when players have been at the highest level, people can write their demise pretty quickly.” Postecoglou also suggested Spurs do not want Cristian Romero playing for Argentina at this summer’s Paris Olympics. The defender is keen to play but Postecoglou said: “Clubs aren’t obliged to let players go to the Olympics.”