David James reveals mental and physical struggles at Liverpool
David James
Former England and Premier League goalkeeper, David James, recently shared his challenging journey during his time at Liverpool on William Hill's podcast, Up Front with Simon Jordan.
Former England and Premier League goalkeeper David James has opened up about his challenging time at Liverpool, sharing his experiences of seeking psychological help and battling weight gain.
In an exclusive interview on William Hill's podcast, Up Front with Simon Jordan, hosted by former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan, James delved into the difficulties he faced both mentally and physically.
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, James recounted his search for a sports psychologist: "I felt the need for a change because I wasn't in the first team, so I approached the club doctor and inquired about a sports psychologist."
To his surprise, the doctor informed him that Liverpool didn't believe in such interventions. Nevertheless, he made an effort and found someone willing to talk. "This person came over, and we sat in my kitchen for two hours. I wasn't accustomed to inviting people into my private space, but that conversation was a game-changer," James shared.
Struggling with his professional image, James revealed how criticism from fans and the media affected him: "They were constantly berating me, calling me 'Calamity James,' claiming I was addicted to Xbox, and suggesting I couldn't catch a cold. Deep down, I knew I had the potential to perform better, so I wondered why I wasn't living up to it."
Addressing rumours about his gaming addiction, James described a moment when the press capitalized on his love for PlayStation and the impact it had on his career. He disclosed an interview with a reporter, whom he considered a friend, in which he mentioned playing the PlayStation for several hours a day. This innocent conversation snowballed into damaging headlines that tarnished his reputation.
Recalling the incident, James said, "I immediately regretted my words. I contacted the reporter, pleading for the story to be retracted, but it was too late. The story had already gone to print, and it quickly spread like wildfire. The 'red tops' picked it up, and I woke up to headlines declaring 'David James is addicted to the PlayStation.' I wasn't addicted; I had merely discussed it. Unfortunately, these controversies, coupled with other factors, led to a decline in my performance, and I couldn't make sense of it all."
Aside from his mental struggles, James also shed light on his physical challenges, highlighting the lack of a proper fitness regime at Liverpool. "I reached a weight of 17 stone. We didn't have a structured fitness program, and I was overweight," he admitted. Frustrated with his performance, James felt he wasn't playing up to his potential.
During his second season at Liverpool, James found himself out of the team for eight months, which started with a red card incident in the previous season's final match against Norwich. He never regained his place under the management of Graeme Souness.
David James' candid revelations provide valuable insights into the often overlooked mental and physical struggles faced by professional athletes. His story serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals can battle their inner demons and face setbacks.
"We would've had a plan for Harry Kane!" ?@sjopinion10 asks @jamosfoundation whether the England generation he was a part of would beat Southgate's current crop ???????
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) June 29, 2023
Watch #UpFront now on YouTube ⚽️
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