In the final part of Rob Gurney and Will Oelrich's Coventry Q&A, they focus on the benefit of few Coventry players featuring at the World Cup and away-day experiences.
Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?
Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.
Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.
Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?
Gareth asked: Do you think the fact so few City players were involved in the World Cup compared with other Premier League teams could give us a real edge at the start and perhaps at the end when fatigue may set in for other teams who have players who have had little rest?
Will: I get your point and to an extent I agree. But the fitness levels required to play in the Premier League now are miles above what they used to be.
Players are such elite athletes that they can build sharpness quickly, and most keep themselves in top condition throughout the off‑season. It might affect the opening couple of games and especially for those returning late from the World Cup where we might see reduced minutes for some rather than full 90s but with the standards as high as they are, it won't take long for them to catch up.
Where it may play a part is later on in the season. Teams juggling Europe and cup competitions, playing three times in a week, will have to rotate and that's where the Sky Blues could capitalise. It all depends on the club's focus: is it purely about staying in the Premier League, or is there appetite to chase something in the cups?
29 days ago
