The Importance of Mental Wellbeing in Football: The Case of Jadon Sancho
Whatever your opinion of Jadon Sancho as a footballer, it is impossible to ignore the issue of mental wellbeing in the sport. This was highlighted recently when Sancho was omitted from Manchester United’s squad for the game against Arsenal. While his exclusion may not have been surprising, it raised concerns about football’s lack of attention to the mental health of its players.
Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, explained that Sancho’s omission was due to his performance in training. While this explanation may seem reasonable on its own, it takes on a different meaning when considering Sancho’s struggles off the field. He missed three months of the previous season and trained alone in the Netherlands. His mental health was cited as one of the reasons for his absence from United’s post-World Cup training camp.
Ten Hag’s public disclosure of Sancho’s mental health struggles raises questions about empathy and tact. It is unclear whether Sancho consented to this information being shared, but regardless, one would expect a level of understanding and support from his manager.
It is important to note that Sancho is not a perfect professional. He has been fined for lateness on multiple occasions during his time at Borussia Dortmund, and the issue has persisted at Manchester United. However, in addressing these concerns publicly, Ten Hag invites increased scrutiny and potentially exacerbates Sancho’s mental health issues.
Sometimes, bad behavior is just that – bad behavior. However, there are often underlying causes that explain such behavior. While we do not know the exact nature of Sancho’s difficulties or their origins, the possibility of mental health issues should guide our approach. Public criticism can worsen the situation and should be avoided.
A cautionary tale that highlights the importance of mental wellbeing in football is Dele Alli’s recent revelation about his own struggles. In a powerful interview, Alli shared the extent of his mental health issues, which have affected not only his playing career but his entire life. This should have prompted soul-searching among those who tend to forget that footballers are human beings too. Unfortunately, it seems that we have not learned from this experience.
The irony is evident in a club like Manchester United, which prides itself on its duty of care towards players like Mason Greenwood, treating Sancho in this manner. It is crucial to remember that mental health conditions can often be mistaken for laziness and that public rebukes can be detrimental to a person’s wellbeing.
As someone who has experienced long periods of absence from work due to mental health issues, I can attest to the impact it has on productivity and self-esteem. The work produced during these times is often subpar, and the fear of public criticism only adds to the distress.
Football may not be known for its empathy, but it is disheartening how often the sport fails to meet even the lowest expectations in this regard. The mental wellbeing of players should be a priority, and measures should be in place to support them through their struggles.
In conclusion, Jadon Sancho’s situation highlights the need for football to prioritize the mental health of its players. Public criticism and lack of empathy only worsen the challenges they face. It is time for the sport to step up and provide the support and understanding that players like Sancho deserve.