KUALA LUMPUR – Former Liverpool player Luis Garcia is grateful that when he was still playing football, the Merseyside club recognised the importance of sports psychology to help players deal with the pressure and anxiety of top-level football.
Speaking at a fireside chat session with fellow Liverpool player Steve McManaman and former Manchester United players Paul Rachubka and Dimitar Berbatov, the Spaniard said the club had “a guy” that players could talk to when they are struggling mentally.
“In my generation, we had sports psychology to help players deal with these situations.
“When I was at Liverpool, the club had a guy who helps when you are feeling pressure, and I would go try to talk about it.”
“We were the first generation to utilise sports psychology to help with the mental health of players – and it honestly helps.
“You are competing for a place in the team to represent your country or football club, and you can have anxiety over whether you will play or not.
“It is good to talk to someone about how you feel.
“If you are sick, you go see a doctor. So why not if you are having negative feelings? You see a professional who can give you the tools to help you with this situation,” he added during the session at a pre-event for the Battle of the Reds match.
The Battle of the Reds will see Liverpool legends take on Manchester United legends at Bukit Jalil National Stadium tomorrow.
McManaman added that it is easier to speak about mental health now compared to when he was playing.
“You just have to get on with it. It was as simple as that.
“You could not show your emotions because that is not manly – you just have to brush it off and keep playing football,” added the Englishman. – April 26, 2024