Steve McManaman, interviewed prior to this year's Cup final, said he was still coming to terms with the amount of time Spanish players spend cooped up before games. On an England Under-21 trip to Portugal in 1995, when the use of mobile phones abroad was relatively rare, David Beckham and Phil Neville, then low-paid youth-team players, were devastated to learn that they had run up a hotel phone bill in excess of £200 just keeping in touch with family and friends in an effort to amuse themselves.Īs a rule, though, England players get off lightly so far as hotel fatigue is concerned. In this era of mobile phones, laptops and DVD players, the task is much easier.
When Aston Villa stayed at the Grim's Dyke Hotel in Harrow prior to last year's FA Cup final, John Gregory had a marquee erected on the lawn with electronic games, a mini bowling alley, a pool table and a widescreen TV, specifically to keep the players occupied.Įngland will make similar arrangements in La Manga.
#Tactical soccer manga free#
Hotel fatigue is a particular problem and keeping the players entertained during rest periods and free time is crucial. Media and commercial activities can be scheduled at specific times and shared among the squad.Īrsène Wenger always insists his pre-season training camps, usually somewhere in Germany, are free of press commitments to promote concentration and relaxation. All outside influences can be controlled. As there are no time pressures, intensive coaching and quality time can be put in, both with individuals and with specific units such as the back four. The isolation of the camp enhances concentration and focus. Psychological goals can also be addressed in terms of team-building and bonding. Nutrition can be monitored, vitamin supplements regulated and players educated about eating habits. La Manga is perfect.Īfter the match in Derby Eriksson was clearly relishing the fact that at last he had a substantial period of time to work with the players in an environment that can be properly controlled.
These include a nearby airport at least two first-class pitches a self-contained living area, so the players can relax unmolested conference space to set up medical facilities and leisure time pursuits a gymnasium a swimming pool and, of course, the ultimate footballing necessity - a golf course. The FA's travel manager Brian Scott has a wish-list of criteria for England training facilities. La Manga has been chosen for a number of reasons, chief among them the need for the players to acclimatise to the heat awaiting them in Athens on Wednesday week. With no Group 9 fixture to fulfil on June 2, plans for a training camp were devised. The caretaker coach Peter Taylor, well in advance, highlighted the need to make the most of the available time before the June 6 match. Preparations for next week's qualifier against Greece have been in the pipeline for months - even before Eriksson left Lazio. Such time is precious and nothing has been left to chance.
#Tactical soccer manga plus#
But in this instance Eriksson has the luxury of the friendly against Mexico plus real quality time to work with his players away from their clubs, pubs and the million other diversions of the modern footballer. Up until now squad get-togethers have been short, practical affairs - a rushed friendly against Spain followed by a tension-charged double-header with Finland and Albania, where qualifying points were the overriding concern.
0 kommentar(er)
