Ralf Kettemann discusses mental health struggles

Ralf Kettemann, the 40-year-old coach of SC Paderborn, has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and the psychological toll of his career. In an interview with Sport-Bild, Kettemann described a period during his time at TSV Ilshofen when he entered a destructive work spiral, leading to a low point where he felt so physically and mentally depleted that he occasionally had to be driven to matches.

Kettemann explained that he had previously tied his self-worth to match results, feeling diminished as a person when games were lost. To manage these challenges, he sought professional help to learn how to separate personal value from professional performance. He now aims to instill this perspective in his players, emphasizing that winning or losing a match does not define a person's character.