Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has praised striker Richarlison for speaking publicly about his battles with depression and being open about his mental health issues.
Richarlison has said therapy “saved my life” and welcomed the addition of a psychologist to the Brazil national team staff having having admitted he struggled with depression after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Postecoglou said Richarlison’s honesty will make a difference to others who are dealing with mental health issues.
“Richy’s really benefitted from the support that does exist, not just for him but for others in the community. Because he has benefitted so directly, I think he’s taken on the responsibility of trying to share that around now,” Postecoglou told a news conference on Friday.
“It always makes more of an impact when it is somebody who is high profile or in a position where we think they shouldn’t have any problems or we see it as a sign of weakness when they’re looking for help and support.
“It’s a credit to him. He could have dealt with this privately, I think the public aspect of it is a brave decision for him, but more importantly it’s a great conduit to others to reach out and seek help when it’s required.
“There’s always a balance to these things. Whether it’s Richy or anyone else, we all have challenges and problems in our lives, there’s help that you can get out there and it shouldn’t hopefully get to the point where it’s so overwhelming that it takes over everything else you do.
“Credit to Richy, he’s sought help, he’s got help, the right help, and now he wants others to benefit from it.”
In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Richarlison said getting psychological help after the World Cup was “the best discovery I’ve ever had in my life.”
“Before I went to training, I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my room because, I don’t know what was going through my head,” Richarlison said.
“I even went and told my dad I was going to give up. It’s kind of sad to talk like that, you know?
“What I went through after the World Cup, discovering things here at home from people who had lived with me for over seven years … It is crazy.
“To go to my father, who was the guy who chased my dream with me, and say, ‘Dad, I want to give up,’ is crazy.”
Richarlison didn’t play for Brazil against England or Spain in the international break due to a knee injury, but Postecoglou said he will be ready ready for their game against Luton Town on Saturday.
“Yeah, he’s OK. He’s had a bit of a knee niggle and we’ve kind of been managing him. Brazil managed him but he trained today and he feels good so he’s available,” Postecoglou said.
Postecoglou also confirmed defender Micky van de Ven is available after recovering from a hamstring injury.