September 25, 2022
The brief from today:
Benjamin Pavard shows vulnerability and courage
France international, Benjamin Pavard, spoke with the French media while on international duty revealing some private details he should be commended for. The Bayern Munich defender had already done an interview last December where he alluded to some personal struggles he was dealing with but didn’t expand on what he meant. Feeling more comfortable to share now, however, the 26-year-old disclosed that he has been battling depression originating during the COVID lockdown. Fresh off a move from Stuttgart to Bayern in the 2019/20 season, Pavard was enjoying a decent start in his new surroundings, even scoring within the first month of the campaign. As the second half of the season came around, however, the pandemic resulted in a pause in play with everyone confined to their homes. This is when things went downhill for Pavard, as the combination of being in a new city in Germany—after three years in Stuttgart—as well as being outside his country, resulted in the loneliness taking its toll. He described his experience in the following way: “In my head things weren’t right. At the start, you say it’s nothing, that it will pass, but when you see that it persists and then you go to training and you don’t have a smile on your face, you have to react.” He went on to acknowledge that he understands he’s privileged compared to many, but the “beautiful house with a gym” wasn’t enough to replace the lack of human contact. He described losing his appetite, and how he doesn’t “like the word depression”, however he now feels emboldened after his experience to share his story. He came to terms with what he was dealing with, and despite trying to hide it from others initially, he now understands that he “came out of it all a better man”. He really should be applauded for showing such vulnerability, as the subject of mental health still carries quite a stigma, which is part of the hindrance many face in trying to find healing. For someone like Pavard, with the platform he possesses, to discuss such a subject is truly beneficial in the quest to tackle this delicate issue.
Pavard deserves praise for disclosing his challenges with mental health
Ghana FA’s recruitment drive continues
Ghana’s Football Association (FA) made the news this past summer with their recruitment of players from the diaspora. Players like Inaki Williams and Tariq Lamptey, born and raised in Spain and England respectively, made their debuts yesterday in a friendly against Brazil. The two new recruits, having previously represented Spain and England, came on as substitutes for Ghana in the loss to the South American heavyweights, but the switch is now official. The FA and coach, Otto Addo, who himself is a German of Ghanaian descent, haven’t stopped their recruitment drive quite yet. Their latest target is Jeremie Frimpong, who currently plays for Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen. Like Lamptey, Frimpong is also a right back, who has been impressing in Germany’s top flight, but he hails from The Netherlands. Having represented the Dutch only at youth level thus far, the 21-year-old is still eligible to make the potential switch to Ghana, and that is why he is on their radar. So far they have been successful with a number of players they have approached, so it isn’t unfathomable that they could also convince Frimpong to join their ranks. The World Cup would clearly be the first target for including the youngster, and with just under two months remaining until the competition, the charm offensive will have to be expedited.
Frimpong playing for The Netherlands at U21 level, something Ghana are trying to “adjust” promptly