Everton striker Thierno Barry has opened up about posting a vulnerable video of himself breaking down during a private training session. The 23-year-old French forward admitted he was scared to share the footage but felt it was important to show his authentic self to supporters.
Barry released the clip on his YouTube channel last month, showing him becoming overwhelmed with frustration during extra work with his individual coach. He sat on the video for three weeks before deciding to publish it. "I was really scared about posting that," Barry said. "And I said: 'No, I just need to show myself'."
Barry explained his decision was driven by a desire to connect with fans and challenge perceptions of strength. He felt last season presented an inaccurate version of himself, and he wanted people to understand the pressure he faces. The forward, who joined Everton from Villarreal for £27m two years ago, described the adjustment to a new league and country as "really difficult."
"Every fan counts on you to score goals, so imagine you didn't score, you know, for three months like me [last season] it's difficult," Barry said. He added that showing vulnerability was a form of strength and that the support from those around him has been vital in maintaining a positive mindset.
Barry's emotional openness coincides with a stronger on-field impact. He is Everton's top scorer this season with three goals in six Premier League appearances, including a key equaliser in the recent 2-2 draw with Hull City. His pressing intensity is also notable, ranking him among the top five players in the league for high-speed runs while closing down opponents.
The club currently sits fifth in the table with 10 points from six games, unbeaten in their last five. Barry's contributions have been key, with match-winning goals against Ipswich and Crystal Palace already this campaign.
His extra training sessions focus on one-touch finishing and resetting quickly after missed chances, adopting a mentality similar to top strikers. Barry acknowledges he is his own harshest critic but is learning to manage that pressure. "I'm always harder with myself, and I just need to be sometimes more calm," he confirmed.
Barry will aim to build on his recent goal as Everton prepare to host Chelsea this weekend. The Blues are one place below Everton in sixth, setting up a significant clash at Goodison Park. Barry's journey from a tough first season to becoming a key figure shows his mental resilience. The club itself reposted his video with the caption 'emotional resilience', endorsing his message.
Everton's fixtures show a busy period ahead, and Barry's form will be important with limited alternatives in attack. His story is one of adapting to immense pressure, both personal and professional, and using vulnerability as a catalyst for performance. The next test comes against Chelsea on 17 October.
This story first appeared at bbc.co.uk
