Ross Barkley Reflects on Challenges and Growth in Career

Ross Barkley, a graduate of the Everton academy, ascended to prominence in his teenage years. His transition to Chelsea was anticipated to mark a significant new chapter in his career; however, it became a period where his discipline and decision-making began to falter. In a candid interview with The Athletic, Barkley acknowledged that alcohol served as a damaging escape during his tenure at Stamford Bridge.

Barkley recounted, “There were instances where I went out, and when you drink excessively, you often act in ways you later regret. I would go out and consume too much alcohol, and inevitably, it would come to the club’s attention.”

A pivotal incident occurred one Sunday night in Liverpool when Barkley went out drinking just days before a Wednesday match. What was intended to be a harmless outing turned sour when footage surfaced, leading to tabloid headlines. Chelsea’s manager, Frank Lampard, understood the temptations young players face and responded with a blend of empathy and authority.

“One time, I went out on a Sunday in Liverpool before a game on Wednesday. I got filmed, and it ended up in the papers,” Barkley explained.

“We had an away game in France against Lille, and while Lampard couldn’t reprimand me too harshly, he advised me to learn from the experience and be mindful of my choices. However, I was made to travel with the team but was not on the bench for that match. Watching from the coach was difficult and contributed to a certain perception of me.”

The Liverpool incident was not an isolated event. In 2019, while recuperating from an injury, Barkley found himself under scrutiny again after a video surfaced of him dancing shirtless in a Dubai nightclub during the international break. Although he had received permission to be away, the situation cast a negative light on him once more.

Lampard remarked on that occasion, “It indicated a moment of unprofessionalism. I don’t wish to impose strict rules on my players, as I recognize they are human and have personal lives. However, it’s crucial for Ross to focus on his fitness and regain his form since he was still dealing with some pain from his injury.”

Barkley admitted that during his formative years in football, his confidence often fluctuated, prompting him to seek professional help. “Self-reflection is essential. We all make mistakes, and it’s beneficial to converse with others to learn from those errors. Mental health challenges are prevalent, and I have found it helpful to engage with a sports psychologist and receive therapy throughout my career. Losing confidence is common in football, and I experienced that in my youth. Now, at 31, I wish I had approached my career with the wisdom I have today.”

Currently, Barkley is back at Aston Villa for a second stint and is focused on rebuilding his confidence under the management of Unai Emery. He has moved away from the nightlife that once plagued him, finding a new perspective through fatherhood.

“Being a dad brings additional responsibilities,” he shared. “With perhaps four to seven years left in my career, I aim to maximize this time. I haven’t consumed alcohol since the summer and plan to abstain for the remainder of my career. It has led to situations I no longer wish to encounter.”

Although Emery has primarily utilized him as a substitute, Barkley recently scored in a match against Bournemouth. As the festive season progresses, he aspires to secure a more prominent role within the Aston Villa squad.