Slot and Peeters LFC Training Methods: Save The Praise, For Now | OneFootball

New Training Methods at LFC: Awaiting The Real Impact

Well the boxing or slapping (whichever one it was) videos looked fun didn’t they. In recent months, Liverpool FC fans have been treated to a plethora of inside training videos showcasing new and innovative methods under the guidance of head coach Arne Slot and performance specialist Ruben Peeters.

While these glimpses into the team’s training regime have generated excitement and optimism, the true measure of Slot and Peeters’ methods will be determined by the season ahead.

Periodisation: The Key to Success?

One of the intriguing aspects of Slot and Peeters’ approach is their meticulous attention to periodisation, a training technique that involves varying the intensity and volume of exercises to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. Peeters, previously Feyenoord’s head of physical performance, is a master of this method.

He is renowned for his ability to push each individual to their limit without overloading their bodies, a skill that proved invaluable during his tenure at Feyenoord. According to reports, under his guidance, Feyenoord maintained a player availability rate of over 90% for three consecutive seasons.

Peeters’ success is evident in the results he achieved at Feyenoord, where he meticulously briefed Slot every morning on how long the group should train. His approach ensured that training sessions started and finished precisely as planned, minimising the risk of injuries and keeping players fit. This level of precision and expertise is what Liverpool hopes to replicate.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite the promising signs, the real test for Slot and Peeters lies in the upcoming season. Liverpool’s recent history has been marred by a spate of injuries that severely impacted their performance.

Last season alone, Liverpool lost 21 players to injuries, a statistic that was only surpassed by Tottenham Hotspur. Jurgen Klopp’s squad used 30 players throughout the campaign, significantly more than their rivals Manchester City and Arsenal. This high turnover of players disrupted the team’s rhythm and was a critical factor in their inability to secure the Premier League title, finishing third behind City and Arsenal.

To assess the true impact of Slot and Peeters’ methods, we need to observe whether key players like Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, who have been plagued by injuries, can maintain their fitness and play more games this season. Additionally, the ability to prevent re-injuries in stars like Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dominik Szoboszlai will be crucial.

Too often, players returning from injury quickly find themselves sidelined again, a cycle that needs to be broken.

Measuring Success

Success for Slot and Peeters will be defined by a reduction in Liverpool’s injury rate and the ability to keep key players on the pitch. It’s not just about flashy training videos and innovative methods; it’s about tangible results that contribute to the team’s performance on the field. The meticulous periodisation techniques and the detailed training schedules need to translate into fewer injuries and more consistent player availability.

Until we see a significant improvement in Liverpool’s injury statistics and a corresponding increase in performance levels, it would be premature to shower Slot and Peeters with praise. The early signs are promising, and their track record at Feyenoord provides a solid foundation for optimism. However, the real test will be the upcoming season, where the intensity and demands of Premier League football will truly challenge their methods.

Save The Praise….For Now

The anticipation surrounding Arne Slot and Ruben Peeters’ arrival at Liverpool is understandable, given their impressive achievements at Feyenoord. However, the true impact of their methods will only be seen through the lens of Liverpool’s performance in the upcoming season.

If they can keep players fit, reduce the injury rate, and ensure that stars like Salah, Alexander-Arnold, and Szoboszlai remain injury-free, then the praise will be well-deserved (especially if they’re not re-injured with the same thing two games later!). Until then, we watch with cautious optimism, hoping that their expertise will lead to a healthier and more successful Liverpool squad.