In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Tyrone Mings, the Aston Villa defender, provided a candid account of his challenging journey back from injury and conveyed his anticipation for the season ahead. As the Villans prepare to face Nottingham Forest this Saturday, with the match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League at 5 PM, Mings reflected on both personal and team aspirations.
Mings’ recovery has not come without its hurdles. The 31-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the opening match of the previous season—a painful episode that is all too familiar for him. Recalling a similar setback during his tenure at Bournemouth, shortly after he became the club's record signing, Mings opened up about the mental toll of his injuries. He recounted a particularly difficult moment in the office of then-manager Eddie Howe, where the pressure of injury and the uncertainty surrounding his future culminated in tears.
Today, however, Mings approaches recovery with a newfound perspective. He does not necessarily find it easier but attributes his current mental clarity to his experience as a father, stating, “I have kids now so that always helps.” The weight of expectation he felt at Bournemouth during a challenging period contrasts sharply with the current environment at Aston Villa, where he notes a sense of flourishing under manager Unai Emery.
Prior to his injury, Mings was eager to contribute to an Aston Villa side that has enjoyed success both in the Premier League and the Champions League. Watching his teammates thrive from the sidelines was understandably frustrating for him, especially as they achieved unprecedented milestones.
To support his mental well-being during rehabilitation, Mings has adopted new routines, including regular therapy sessions, which he regards as vital. “Every waking minute was spent trying to figure out how I'm going to get my knee better,” he shared. Beyond the pitch, he has engaged with community initiatives through the Tyrone Mings Academy in Bristol and is pursuing further education in global football business management aided by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). He expressed enthusiasm for learning about roles such as sporting director or CEO, stating, “I have really learned about what it means to be a sporting director or a CEO so they will not be new things when I retire. I am certainly not scared of what comes after football.”
As he contemplates the future, Mings is clearly committed to making an impact on the pitch. He is inspired by Aston Villa’s current trajectory in both domestic and European competitions, particularly the thrill of participating in the Champions League. "People are always looking for new ideas, new stimuli, so the Champions League has certainly given a different feeling around the club,” he noted, highlighting the broader sense of ambition within the squad.
Nevertheless, returning to competitive play carries its challenges. Mings made his UEFA Champions League debut recently, which he described as "inauspicious," given that he conceded a penalty that allowed Club Brugge to score. Reflecting on the trials of his return, he remarked, “If there is something that is going to happen, it is usually going to happen to me,” though he maintains that such incidents do not weigh heavily on his mental state.
Mings took the time to discuss the psychological dimensions of football, expressing a measured approach towards the game’s emotional extremes. “I do not participate in the extreme highs or extreme lows of the emotions in the game,” he explained. He underscored the significance of support from friends who appreciate his resilience, asserting that he strives to remain consistent irrespective of match outcomes.
As he nears the final stages of his rehabilitation, Mings acknowledged the ongoing challenges. “I am still in the last 20 percent of my rehab... that is a lot to do with the speed of the game, the decision-making, positioning on the pitch,” he elaborated, yet he exuded optimism about his forthcoming performances.
Aston Villa currently finds itself in fifth place in the Champions League standings, with the potential to secure a knockout stage berth. A victory against Nottingham Forest would also see them leapfrog Manchester City in the Premier League race. Mings reflected on the balance the team achieved last season while juggling their European commitments, recognising the difficulty of maintaining Premier League form alongside Champions League involvement.
In conclusion, Tyrone Mings articulated his excitement about being part of a transformative period at Villa Park. “There is a good feeling here. Being back and part of it is just as impressive and wholesome as before. I was loving it before and I am loving it now,” he said, encapsulating his journey of resilience and unwavering commitment to his club and community as he aims to reclaim his position on the pitch.