‘It Was Really Tough’ - Liverpool Star Opens Up on Depression Struggles While at Bayern Munich

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has revealed how his time at Bayern Munich left him on the brink of depression, struggling with a lack of opportunities under then-manager Julian Nagelsmann.

The Dutch international joined Bayern from Ajax in 2022 but quickly found himself on the fringes. Speaking to Bild, he admitted the frustration of being left out of three consecutive matches took a heavy toll on his mental health.

“Under Nagelsmann, I watched my team play for 90 minutes in three consecutive matches, and I wasn’t a part of it. I was absolutely terrified,” said Gravenberch.

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Gravenberch credited his parents, who relocated to Munich, with helping him through the toughest moments.

“I don’t know what would have happened if I had been completely alone… It was really tough mentally.”

His father, Ryan Gravenberch Sr., told Dutch magazine Helden the family’s presence was vital:

“I think if we hadn’t been there for him, he would have fallen into depression.”

Even Bayern’s 2023 Bundesliga title win felt hollow for the midfielder.

“I was happy that we became champions, but my contribution to it was minimal. I didn’t feel like a champion at all.”

In September 2023, Gravenberch sealed a €40 million switch to Liverpool FC, ending his difficult spell in Germany. 

Since then, he has flourished in the Premier League and secured a regular role with the Netherlands national team, where he has already earned 20 caps.

The midfielder who played the most minutes last season was recognized alongside his teammates at the PFA Awards,

The Dutchman was named along with Virgil Van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah, and Milos Kerkez (for his time with Bournemouth), in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

This is not the first time Gravenberch has been recognized by his peers for his contributions. 

He was named Young Player of the Season for the 2024-25 season, after leading the league in interceptions and ranking fifth for possession won throughout last season.