The less pre-season training this season

[friedk]

Alonso broke his foot, twice; Gerrard broke his toe; Mascherano has a bruised foot; Agger broke his foot; Carra broke his ribs; Pennant has a fracture; to me that sounds incredibly unlucky; don't see how Pako's training could have avoided any of these.

[dww]

Well, we did that the last season without our players being that tired at the end of the games last season. It's a difference.

If you are just that little bit more unfit then you will need to work harder for everything and you will get tired quicker.

I would even suggest that it's a reason to why Rafa rotates as much as he does this season. He will need to rest the players more to keep them fit. I think it's around five changes/game this season.

I'm not sure whether there is anything in what you say or not. The thing is that it is clear that some clubs have worse injury records than others and this could well be attributed to differing training regimes/environments. However the fact is it is pretty hard to argue that Alonso's broken foot or Carras punctured lung were in anyway related to training.

My guess would be that the fact that we have had injuried and that many of the players playing have been coming back is a big reason for our seeming lack of fitness at least as much as the change in training. Along with the fact that Sami is a year older and really should only play the one game a week which he was mostly limited to as a maximum last season.

I'm not at all convinced that if you take injuries into account we have done that much more rotation this season than previously.

[El Jefecito]

I think it's a big reason to all our tired players and probably a reason to a few of our injuries.

If you compare us to last season, back then we could press the opposition much harder for longer time in the games.

We had fitter players last season. That decision by Rafa is looking like a stupid one right now IMO. It also costed him Pako.

We didn't have less preseason training, we had different pre-season training.

BTW Most of our injuries have been broken bones, not muscle injuries, pre-season training isn't going to help that.

[El Jefecito]

Rafa overruled him and decided to do things his way. That's the main reason to why Pako left.

If you believe the media that's.

I didn't see that in the press. The press only referred to his leaving as being due to being too friendly with Jose.

You got a link?

[Morph]

I didn't see that in the press. The press only referred to his leaving as being due to being too friendly with Jose.

You got a link?

no, because as per usual he's fabricating the truth, beginning to think he works for one of the nationals

[AFII]

no, because as per usual he's fabricating the truth, beginning to think he works for one of the nationals

Ehhh, Rafa said himself that it was because we changed our pre-season training that Pako left.


From LiverpoolEcho.co.uk

By Chris Bascombe

LIVERPOOL’S players returned to pre-season training a fortnight ago relieved to hear Rafa Benitez has slightly amended their punishing schedule ahead of the new campaign.

Since the Spanish manager took over, the demanding physical preparation overseen by Pako Ayesteran has been compared to the Marines.

Liverpool have been transformed into one of the fittest squads in Europe, but there have been observations the benefits are more noticeable from the middle of the season onwards, with some players struggling earlier in the campaign.

The meticulous management team have assessed every factor which could influence a flying start to the season as they look to fine tune their players ahead of the August kick-off.

And while there’s nothing Benitez and his staff can do about the arduous travelling arrangements to the Far East and Holland later this month, they will be altering their training in a bid to ensure their side doesn’t suffer in the key early months.

“We know the importance of making a good start and that depends on a number of factors,” explained Benitez.

“You always need to see how each players settles into the club, but we also have players who are very experienced and this will also help.

“We have been making a number of small changes to the training this summer. Our idea is to train a bit less, but when we do train it will be with more intensity.”

On most days the players endure double training sessions, but Benitez has included rest days into the schedule this summer.

Last week the squad even enjoyed a day off – unheard of during the first three pre-seasons of the Benitez reign.

There is no compromise on the effort demanded from the players, however.

At Melwood, there is an area referred to as ‘Pako Hill’. That’s where the assistant manager mounted some turf, creating his own hill for the players to run up and down during their stamina exercises.



or maybe I made up that article who knows

[AFII]

Another made up article by me


Pako split bad timing as Rafa puts the focus on Premier aim

Sep 1 2007 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post

JUST when Rafael Benitez appears to have gathered a title-challenging team on the field, his backroom staff is being rocked by the imminent departure of a key component.

From Benitez’s time in charge at Tenerife and Valencia through to his present-day tutelage at Liverpool, the Spaniard has been assisted by his right-hand man and long-time friend, Pako Ayesteran.

So it was a genuine surprise when the news emerged yesterday that Ayesteran is set to leave after three years at Anfield.

Ayesteran’s exit is thought to have come after a series of disagreements with Benitez, with matters reaching a critical point on Thursday afternoon when he intimated he wanted to depart the club.

Liverpool have been aware Ayesteran has been considering a move back to Spain over the last 12 months.

The Anfield assistant manager was lined up for a job as trainer at Athletic Bilbao during their presidential elections in July, but the candidate who wanted him was not voted in.

Nevertheless, a return home remains the most likely course of action for Ayesteran with Valencia thought to be ready to offer a coaching role at the Mestalla – although rumours yesterday suggested both Chelsea and Manchester United have been alerted to his availability.

Liverpool’s players were informed of Ayesteran’s impending departure on Thursday after training, and he is not expected to be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for today’s home Premier League game with Derby County.

Ayesteran, who enjoyed full control over the training and preparation of the squad, was believed to have been unhappy at alterations made during pre-season.

The Liverpool manager wouldn’t be drawn on Ayesteran yesterday, but conceded to being less than impressed by the timing of his decision just weeks into the new season.

“Pako said that maybe he will look to leave the club, and we need to analyse the situation,” said the Liverpool manager. “It is a surprise, as we have worked together for 11 years.

“I cannot say too much. But yes, it does surprise me a little bit. The timing is not the best. I know things but the best thing for me is not to say much about it now.

“I think he will leave. It’s too early to say for sure, but I don’t think he’ll be at the game tomorrow.”

Certainly, the disruption to Benitez’s backroom staff will be considerable. Ayesteran is in charge of fitness coaching, but also handled much of the squad administration and has been a major figure in Liverpool’s progress since the pair arrived in June 2004.

His departure comes at a time when the Anfield outfit have made their best opening to a season under Benitez.

With two away wins already under their belts, Liverpool aim to continue their unbeaten start when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Derby this afternoon.

Benitez’s side eased through to the group stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 thrashing of Toulouse in midweek, but the Spaniard has reiterated that the Premier League is the priority for his players this campaign.

“As far as our chances of the title are concerned, it is too early to assess,” he said. “Maybe in a month’s time if we are still unbeaten, it will then be possible to make an assessment of the situation.

“But we have a better squad here now and we have enough players to contest all the competitions.

“I know that our fans want us to win the title, although if you asked me I would also want to win the Champions League. But if I had a choice, then I would say the title is our priority now this season.”

While much has been made in recent seasons about Liverpool’s inability to produce results against their three main title rivals, Benitez believes the ability to routinely dismiss the threat of supposedly lesser sides such as today’s opponents is the key to any realistic championship challenge.

“If we are to be real challengers then we have to win games we are expected to,” he said. “But I have talked to the players and warned them that matches like Derby can be dangerous.

“They will be very committed and can produce a shock. We must not be complacent.

“People will say this should be three easy points, but I do not see it that way. Derby will be very dangerous opponents.”

Among the star performers for Liverpool so far this season has been Jermaine Pennant, who has continued to build on his fine display in the Champions League final in May.

It wasn’t enough to earn a call-up to the England squad named by Steve McClaren yesterday, but Benitez believes international recognition is only a matter of time for Pennant.

“I have a lot of respect for Steve McClaren and I’m sure that Pennant is close to the national team,” he said. “He is improving, he is more focused and more mature and that’s the key for me.

“Pennant is playing better, but it could help him that he isn’t in the squad because it will make him work even harder. I had a conversation with him about this.

“He is more consistent in every game and if he continues playing the way he has been then I’m sure he will be in the England squad.

“He is a very good player and if he changes two or three small details he will be much better.”


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-new...5578-19718353/

[AFII]

Are everyone happy now when I have proved that we trained less this pre-season that even included some rest days?

[Guest]

Are everyone happy now when I have proved that we trained less this pre-season that even included some rest days?

You could be right, but am no sport science specialist, so I wouldn't be able to say if it's an issue or not.

[Morph]

Ehhh, Rafa said himself that it was because we changed our pre-season training that Pako left.


From LiverpoolEcho.co.uk

By Chris Bascombe

LIVERPOOL’S players returned to pre-season training a fortnight ago relieved to hear Rafa Benitez has slightly amended their punishing schedule ahead of the new campaign.

Since the Spanish manager took over, the demanding physical preparation overseen by Pako Ayesteran has been compared to the Marines.

Liverpool have been transformed into one of the fittest squads in Europe, but there have been observations the benefits are more noticeable from the middle of the season onwards, with some players struggling earlier in the campaign.

The meticulous management team have assessed every factor which could influence a flying start to the season as they look to fine tune their players ahead of the August kick-off.

And while there’s nothing Benitez and his staff can do about the arduous travelling arrangements to the Far East and Holland later this month, they will be altering their training in a bid to ensure their side doesn’t suffer in the key early months.

“We know the importance of making a good start and that depends on a number of factors,” explained Benitez.

“You always need to see how each players settles into the club, but we also have players who are very experienced and this will also help.

“We have been making a number of small changes to the training this summer. Our idea is to train a bit less, but when we do train it will be with more intensity.”

On most days the players endure double training sessions, but Benitez has included rest days into the schedule this summer.

Last week the squad even enjoyed a day off – unheard of during the first three pre-seasons of the Benitez reign.

There is no compromise on the effort demanded from the players, however.

At Melwood, there is an area referred to as ‘Pako Hill’. That’s where the assistant manager mounted some turf, creating his own hill for the players to run up and down during their stamina exercises.



or maybe I made up that article who knows

where does it say that pako left because of these of changes? and show me the quotes from Rafa, stop talking bull**** will you, it's really starting to grate now

[Morph]

Another made up article by me


Pako split bad timing as Rafa puts the focus on Premier aim

Sep 1 2007 by Ian Doyle, Daily Post

JUST when Rafael Benitez appears to have gathered a title-challenging team on the field, his backroom staff is being rocked by the imminent departure of a key component.

From Benitez’s time in charge at Tenerife and Valencia through to his present-day tutelage at Liverpool, the Spaniard has been assisted by his right-hand man and long-time friend, Pako Ayesteran.

So it was a genuine surprise when the news emerged yesterday that Ayesteran is set to leave after three years at Anfield.

Ayesteran’s exit is thought to have come after a series of disagreements with Benitez, with matters reaching a critical point on Thursday afternoon when he intimated he wanted to depart the club.

Liverpool have been aware Ayesteran has been considering a move back to Spain over the last 12 months.

The Anfield assistant manager was lined up for a job as trainer at Athletic Bilbao during their presidential elections in July, but the candidate who wanted him was not voted in.

Nevertheless, a return home remains the most likely course of action for Ayesteran with Valencia thought to be ready to offer a coaching role at the Mestalla – although rumours yesterday suggested both Chelsea and Manchester United have been alerted to his availability.

Liverpool’s players were informed of Ayesteran’s impending departure on Thursday after training, and he is not expected to be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for today’s home Premier League game with Derby County.

Ayesteran, who enjoyed full control over the training and preparation of the squad, was believed to have been unhappy at alterations made during pre-season.

The Liverpool manager wouldn’t be drawn on Ayesteran yesterday, but conceded to being less than impressed by the timing of his decision just weeks into the new season.

“Pako said that maybe he will look to leave the club, and we need to analyse the situation,” said the Liverpool manager. “It is a surprise, as we have worked together for 11 years.

“I cannot say too much. But yes, it does surprise me a little bit. The timing is not the best. I know things but the best thing for me is not to say much about it now.

“I think he will leave. It’s too early to say for sure, but I don’t think he’ll be at the game tomorrow.”

Certainly, the disruption to Benitez’s backroom staff will be considerable. Ayesteran is in charge of fitness coaching, but also handled much of the squad administration and has been a major figure in Liverpool’s progress since the pair arrived in June 2004.

His departure comes at a time when the Anfield outfit have made their best opening to a season under Benitez.

With two away wins already under their belts, Liverpool aim to continue their unbeaten start when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Derby this afternoon.

Benitez’s side eased through to the group stages of the Champions League with a 4-0 thrashing of Toulouse in midweek, but the Spaniard has reiterated that the Premier League is the priority for his players this campaign.

“As far as our chances of the title are concerned, it is too early to assess,” he said. “Maybe in a month’s time if we are still unbeaten, it will then be possible to make an assessment of the situation.

“But we have a better squad here now and we have enough players to contest all the competitions.

“I know that our fans want us to win the title, although if you asked me I would also want to win the Champions League. But if I had a choice, then I would say the title is our priority now this season.”

While much has been made in recent seasons about Liverpool’s inability to produce results against their three main title rivals, Benitez believes the ability to routinely dismiss the threat of supposedly lesser sides such as today’s opponents is the key to any realistic championship challenge.

“If we are to be real challengers then we have to win games we are expected to,” he said. “But I have talked to the players and warned them that matches like Derby can be dangerous.

“They will be very committed and can produce a shock. We must not be complacent.

“People will say this should be three easy points, but I do not see it that way. Derby will be very dangerous opponents.”

Among the star performers for Liverpool so far this season has been Jermaine Pennant, who has continued to build on his fine display in the Champions League final in May.

It wasn’t enough to earn a call-up to the England squad named by Steve McClaren yesterday, but Benitez believes international recognition is only a matter of time for Pennant.

“I have a lot of respect for Steve McClaren and I’m sure that Pennant is close to the national team,” he said. “He is improving, he is more focused and more mature and that’s the key for me.

“Pennant is playing better, but it could help him that he isn’t in the squad because it will make him work even harder. I had a conversation with him about this.

“He is more consistent in every game and if he continues playing the way he has been then I’m sure he will be in the England squad.

“He is a very good player and if he changes two or three small details he will be much better.”


http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-new...5578-19718353/

oh look no quotes again, and a brief line from Ian Doyle, some good evidence there, you'd make a **** lawyer

[Dan]

oh look no quotes again, and a brief line from Ian Doyle, some good evidence there, you'd make a **** lawyer