The subject of mental health in football was once again on the agenda this week following the news that Aaron Lennon has been dealing with a stress-related illness.
Arsene Wenger was asked how the club helps the players deal with the pressures of playing at the highest level, and this is what he said:
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on the help players receive…
We help on the mental front the players that want help. It is difficult for the players when they do not meet their needs, and like all of us, they are frustrated and suffer with self-esteem [issues] in some situations. The expectation levels around them are very high; their families, agents, the pressure on them is very big and it is not easy to deal with that at a young age so, when needed, we help them.
on whether all clubs have a good support network available…
Yes, but not all of the players that feel the need for help want to be helped by the club. Sometimes you don't know what to show and what could be interpreted as a weakness inside the club and so [they] believe that you understand that most players if they are in a situation where they need help will do it outside of the club.
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