The Dele Interview – psychological struggles in professional football - a conversation with mental coach Henrik Hjarsbæk

After watching the already famous Dele's interview, we sat down with mental coach and sports psychology consultant Henrik Hjarsbæk to talk about how addiction, trauma, mental struggles and negative press can influence the careers of pro footballers. Henrik and Andreas analyse the struggles many players deal with in the light of Dele’s interview. We talk about trauma, player environment, the clubs’ mental coaching setup, stigma and taboo around “showing weakness” in professional environments, the link between mental struggles and physical performance, using Ryan Sessegnon as an example. And much more! Henrik shares stories and experience from working with footballers daily. Among other things, he shares a story about AC Milan players afraid of using the club’s mental coaches because the coaching staff would be informed about their struggles. Fascinating insights into some of the systemic issue in professional football. Henrik works with professional footballers all over the world and is author to the book “Kampen Mellem Linjerne” which is so far only out in Danish copy. The English version is not yet published, the title can be translated loosely to “The Fight Between the Lines”. Website: www.hhmentality.com