Tom Cleverley has openly discussed the challenges with worry that impacted his time on the field.
Cleverley, a product of Manchester United’s youth system, advanced through the ranks to the first team at Old Trafford, earning 13 senior international appearances for England during his career, which also included a Premier League title in 2012-13.
However, the subsequent season posed notable difficulties for Cleverley. He acknowledged some dips in his performance but was also adversely affected by extensive and undue public criticism when he should have been reaching his peak performance years.
Tom Cleverley opens up about mental health challenges
Now serving in his second managerial role at Plymouth Argyle, the 36-year-old provided the club’s media outlet with an exposed and emotional interview on the subject of mental wellness.
“Stress is poor performance. Stress is enduring criticism. Then, worry develops when it becomes a persistent issue that doesn’t go away, which is what [2013-14] became,” Cleverley revealed.
“There was a campaign aimed at removing me from the England national team, which only fueled the issue. In addition, the following year, my home was broken into, depriving it of its sense of security, thus creating a feeling of entrapment.”
Cleverley was, in fact, omitted from the England team and sent back into the loan system, where he spent the 2014-15 season playing for Aston Villa on loan. He made the move to Everton in 2015 and after another initial loan spell, brought his playing career to a close following six seasons at Watford.
“[Initially,] I handled it poorly,” Cleverley said, speaking of his first encounters with worry.
“I would come home from practice, stay in darkened rooms, watch Netflix, and avoid leaving the house before the following day’s practice. [It was] a very unhealthy and uneducated approach to coping with it.”
Cleverley ultimately sought professional assistance, attributing his improved ability to manage worry, regardless of how it presents itself, to learning breathing techniques and upholding proper sleeping habits.
“As a footballer, my evaluation of life was often dependent on those 90 minutes each week,” conveyed the former Man United midfielder. “I suspect a significant number of individuals involved in professional football share this tendency.”
“We need to acknowledge there are times when footballers are called upon to exhibit strength, resilience, and tenacity.”
“However, it’s equally important to recognize that it’s perfectly acceptable for those qualities to take a step back at times and for individuals to seek counsel.”
The Argyle manager’s narrative was part of the club’s commitment to World Mental Health Day and Mind, the mental health charity.
