Technology has greatly facilitated this exchange which then allows an essential individualization of physical work, depending on the case.
gullEven for those who do not play for the national team, the truces represent a breath of fresh air.
Very different profiles
This is all the more true at Standard where we notice unique situations within the squad. Between players who play for club and national team (O’Neill and Price); those who play for clubs but rarely for selection (Zeqiri, even Fossey, not included this time); those who play for a club but not at all for the selection (Epolo, Camara) or those who play neither for the club nor for the selection (Djukanovic, and to a lesser extent Alexandropoulos who played the last two matches but whose playing time overall remains meager this season at Standard).
“The ideal are those who play for club and national team. Most often, one does not go without the otherindicates Rudy Kalema. For the players, representing their country and playing international matches remains a source of pride and a great experience. But even for those who do not play for the selection, the truces represent a breath of fresh air. To get out of their daily routine, work for ten days with other staff, other team members…”
gullBack at the club, the transition must be smooth.
For internationals, returning to the club is another pivotal moment. “Even if they have had a long flight and a significant time difference, like Aiden O’Neill for example, we try to get them back to the club as quickly as possible for a medical check-up, Rudy Kalema further specifies. We have their data but we also talk to them face to face about their feelings or possible pain here and there. After that, it’s called reintroduction training. The transition needs to be smooth.”
Target and correct shortcomings
The internationals then join their teammates at the club, who have generally received a few days off to clear their minds or see their families. An essential disconnection. “We organize the week a little differently, explains the specialist. We give them a day off before 2-3 days of training and then another 2-3 days off before returning to the normal week, to prepare for the next match.”
This period must be used intelligently and also allows sessions to be individualized. “With the other members of the staff, including Olivier Materne (head of physiotherapists), Yves Deplouvrez (physical trainer) and Daniel Watson (head of performance), we can detect certain shortcomings, certain deficiencies, in this or that player. For example in terms of hamstrings or endurance. And we are therefore taking advantage of the truce to target and correct these shortcomings.”
To start again.
