Footballers could be hit particularly hard by the coronavirus lockdown, sports psychologist Steven Sylvester has warned. They are used to routine, dressing-room banter, training and games.
And the current crisis could leave them isolated and lonely. “For a footballer, their very identity is being threatened,” said Sylvester, who helps elite players and has worked with Sheffield United and AFC Wimbledon. “There are different approaches but players want to keep fit, they want to finish the season and that’s how they are.
That’s a part of their identity and if they’re suddenly told they can’t do it then it will feel very alien.” Former England captain Wayne Rooney raised mental health as being a “big topic” and admitted “players will be