Patrick Bamford reveals why turning to a sports psychologist became necessary

In recent years, athletes have been applauded for the mental struggles that they deal with as they attempt to reach and maintain themselves at the pinnacle of their respective sports.

Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford recently opened up about wanting to end his tenure at Elland Road after five years, especially following the team’s relegation and the unsettling situation for his family, which included receiving death threats.

Near the end of the 2022-23 season, as United faced the threat of relegation, Bamford missed a crucial penalty at home against Newcastle United, leading to a wave of online abuse directed at him.

Nonetheless, that wasn’t the only issue the veteran striker dealt with during his stint with Leeds. There was a moment in which the player needed help with his mental health.

Patrick Bamford turned to a sports psychologist for help

Bamford has opened up about turning to a sports psychologist to help him cope with his injuries, which continue to hamper him so far this season, after admitting that he reached a point where he “hated” watching his team play from the sidelines.

“At the time, I didn’t even think I needed a sports psychologist. It was just one of those things that was suggested to me,” Bamford recently said on the 72+:The EFL Podcast (h/t BBC Sport)

“When I really started to notice it helping me, it was when my injuries came. When I was out injured for so long, it actually got to a point where I hated watching my own team play.

“It sounds so strange, but it used to give me the feeling of anxiety or depression or something. Regardless of whether we won, drew or lost, I would just be in the worst mood after watching a game.

“I just couldn’t shake it until I had spoken to my psychologist. I actually remember that I went through a period where I just wouldn’t watch the games, just until I had gotten to a point where I was comfortable with it all again.

“So he helped me a lot through the injury process and with setting my goals, but obviously when you start playing again, the focus starts to change again.”