Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has shared candid insights into his time at Stamford Bridge, detailing the professional and personal hurdles he faced during his four-year stint with the club. In a revealing interview with The Athletic, the 31-year-old Aston Villa star opened up about the intense competition, off-field incidents, and his battle with alcohol, while crediting his Chelsea experiences for fostering significant personal development.
Barkley joined Chelsea from Everton in January 2018 for £15 million, seeking a fresh challenge after spending his early career at his boyhood club. However, he admits the transition brought unforeseen difficulties, including limited playing opportunities that tested his resilience. "I hated being on the bench," Barkley reflected. "I’m a player who, if you want me to be at my best, I need to feel important to the squad." Despite making only 14 league starts in his first 18 months, he enjoyed a standout period in October 2018, scoring in three consecutive Premier League games and feeling "in the team and doing well."
A notable challenge came under manager Frank Lampard, following an incident where Barkley was filmed drinking before a match. As punishment, he was required to travel with the team but watch the game from the coach, missing out on a spot on the bench. Barkley recalled Lampard's measured response: "He couldn’t really say too much to me, other than learn from it and pick and choose when the right time is to do it, because he knew what it was like as a young lad." This event, Barkley believes, shaped public perceptions of him and highlighted the pressures of life in London, far from his family support network.
Frustration from inconsistent selection led to increased social outings, which Barkley now recognizes as detrimental. "With that frustration, I’d start to go out, and went out more than I would have if I were playing more," he explained. "My frustration would need to go somewhere else, so I started to enjoy going on a night out with my friends at the wrong time." These choices culminated in media scrutiny and personal setbacks, prompting Barkley to make profound changes. He has been teetotal since the summer, vowing to abstain from alcohol for the remainder of his career: "I haven’t drunk since the summer. I’m planning on going without alcohol throughout (the rest of) my career. It has created situations I don’t really want happening anymore."
Barkley also credits therapy and working with a sports psychologist for helping him navigate these challenges, noting, "I’ve spoken to a sports psychologist. I’ve had therapy throughout my career and it’s beneficial. In football, you can lose your confidence." Reflecting on his Chelsea tenure, he acknowledges room for improvement in his off-field professionalism: "Maybe a different approach to when I joined Chelsea, managing my professionalism outside of football."
During his time at Chelsea, Barkley made 100 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists, contributing to the club's successes including the 2019 UEFA Europa League triumph. He departed in 2022 after a loan spell at Aston Villa, where he has since revitalized his career under manager Unai Emery.
Chelsea Football Club recognizes Barkley's contributions and wishes him continued success in his journey. "Ross was a talented part of our squad, and his honesty in reflecting on his experiences is commendable," said a club spokesperson. "We support all former players in their personal growth and are proud of the role Stamford Bridge played in his development."
We Breathe Blue
No comments
Post a Comment