Brendan Rodgers has opened up on the multiple issues facing current day footballers.
Yesterday the Celtic boss lost Leigh Griffiths for an indefinite period with the Irishman throwing a protective arm around the striker.
The news from yesterday’s media conference sparked a frenzy of speculation on social media about the Scotland striker which is just one of the issues that players have to handle.
Twenty years ago a rogue call on a radio phone-in or a 5/10 in a newspaper were about the extent of criticism that players would have to cope with.
Today the rewards are much greater, some of Rodgers’ former players at Liverpool are being paid £1m a month but that doesn’t fully insulate the footballer from pressures and temptation.
“People see football players with money and the public associate that with everything being all right but that’s not always the case,” the Celtic boss told The Sun.
“Footballers aren’t robots. They’re young guys who still have issues, it’s just they’re very, very talented.
“For guys who have issues and you ask them what their best day was, it’s when it all comes out.
“I remember talking to a player who had huge gambling issues and when I quizzed him on what was the best feeling he said it was when his wife caught him because that finished it and he could start to make himself better.
“Until that point he was living a lie. Sometimes that can be your life.”
Rodgers added: “Now once it’s out there hopefully it can draw a line under the issues for Leigh and the club, players, fans can all support him and give him time to become better.
“For men, in years gone by, talking about these things was viewed as a weakness. At least now that’s been broken and it’s no longer a weakness.
“And whatever actions that take place, there is genuine help there, instead of it being brushed under the carpet.
“Just because you are a talented sportsman, doesn’t mean you are not vulnerable. In my experience of working daily for 25 years, sometimes the higher profile players can be the most vulnerable.
“There’s so much more to lose. The guys who have been given great talent, they are not immune because they earn X amount of pounds. The most important thing for managers and coaches is the welfare of players.
“He has all of our support: the team, staff and supporters.”
Since yesterday’s announcement about Griffiths a number of players as well as his former clubs, Hibs, Dundee and Livingston have offered their support through social media.
