The Emotional Toll of Being Surplus: Jens Teunckens Speaks Out
Jens Teunckens, the goalkeeper for Lierse, recently opened up about the deeply unsettling experience of being deemed surplus to requirements by his club. His candid revelations have resonated across Belgian football media, with outlets like the Gazette of Antwerp, Voetbalkrant.com,VoetbalPrimeur.be, and Football Belgium highlighting his emotional distress.
Teunckens, aged 26, expressed his feelings of being discarded, likening the experience to being “thrown in the garbage.” This powerful metaphor underscores the profound impact such a situation can have on a playerS self-worth and mental well-being.
The goalkeeper’s pain is further compounded by the perception that he was unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles. This sense of being scapegoated, as Teunckens describes it, adds another layer of hurt and betrayal.
Unfortunatly, Teunckens’ experience is not unique. The world of professional sports is often characterized by intense competition and a ruthless pursuit of success. Players can find themselves suddenly expendable,their careers hanging in the balance due to factors beyond their control.
The psychological toll of such situations can be significant, leading to anxiety, depression, and a loss of confidence. It is crucial for clubs and the wider football community to recognize the human cost of thes decisions and provide adequate support to players navigating such challenging transitions.
The Human Side of the Game: An Interview with Former Footballer Liam O’Connell
The recent story of Lierse goalkeeper Jens Teunckens, who spoke out about the deeply unsettling experience of being deemed “surplus to requirements” by his club, has sparked a conversation about the emotional toll such situations can take on professional athletes. To delve deeper into this complex issue, we sat down with former footballer and analyst Liam O’Connell.
Liam, thanks for joining us.You had a long and successful career. Did you ever experience firsthand the kind of situation Jens Teunckens described?
Liam O’Connell: Unluckily, yes. Football can be a very unforgiving business. During my time playing in the Championship, I went through a similar experience. I was dropped from the squad, and it felt like I was just discarded, unwanted. It was a huge blow to my confidence and self-esteem.
Mike: It’s easy to see why Jens used the powerful metaphor of “being thrown in the garbage.”
Liam: Absolutely. It’s a dehumanizing feeling, especially when you’ve dedicated your life to the sport. You
pour your heart and soul into it, and then suddenly, you’re told you’re not good enough anymore.
Mike: Jens also feels he was unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles, which clearly added to his pain. Have you ever felt like a scapegoat in your career?
Liam: I think all footballers experience that feeling at some point. It’s the nature of the game. When things aren’t going right, someone has to take the blame, and sometimes it falls on individuals rather than the team as a whole. it’s rarely fair, but unfortunately, it’s part of the pressure that comes with playing at a high level.
Mike: This raises an crucial question about the duty of clubs toward their players. What more can they do to support athletes who find themselves in these difficult situations?
Liam: Clubs have a duty of care towards their players, both on and off the pitch. when a player is told they are no longer needed, it needs to be handled with sensitivity and respect. Ther should be open communication, clear explanations, and, crucially, support mechanisms in place to help the player transition to their next career move.
Mike: Many fans might say that this is just part of professional sports. It’s a competitive world, and players need to be mentally tough. What’s your response to that?
Liam: While it’s true that professional athletes need a certain level of resilience,they are still human beings with feelings. Being discarded can have a profound impact on their mental health and well-being.
Clubs and sporting organizations need to recognize this and provide support systems,including access to mental health professionals,career counseling,and financial planning advice.
Mike: Jens Teunckens’ story has resonated deeply within the football community. Do you think it will lead to positive changes in how clubs treat their players in these situations?
Liam: I hope so.His honesty and courage in speaking out about his experience have shone a light on an issue that needs addressing. It’s opened up a much-needed conversation about the emotional well-being of athletes and the responsibility clubs have toward their players.
Mike: Thank you for your time, Liam. Your insights are invaluable.
What are your thoughts on the treatment of athletes when they become “surplus to requirements”? have you or someone you know experienced a similar situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below
