Do you think fitness is part of the issue?

Discussion in 'Fulham FC News and Notes' started by omsdogg, Jan 4, 2008.

  1. omsdogg

    omsdogg New Member

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    Aug 1, 2006
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    Salt Lake City, Utah
    So looking back on the season so far...and all the points we've squandered after halftime, does anyone think fitness may be an issue? It seems like in the first half of these matches, our midfield is flying around and controlling the game, but the second half we are being dominated. The reason I bring it up is I noticed in this article,

    http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story ... 61&cc=5901


    RH put the boys through a double training session.

    "The well-travelled Hodgson is relishing a return to hands on coaching - the players were put through a double training session on Thursday - and he insists Fulham can escape the drop."

    Now granted, that doesn't mean that they are working on fitness in both sessions, they could be doing a lot of tactical work since we are changing from the long ball to a short passing game. I just thought it was interesting seeing how they had two training sessions. Also, when Ramos came in for Tottenham, he focused on fitness cuz he said that half the team was "fat". So I'm just wondering. Your thoughts?
     
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  2. Clevelandmo

    Clevelandmo Active Member

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    Sep 13, 2007
    I got the impression he did the double training session to really start working on some issues/tactics. I would be surprised if the issue is fitness.

    The second half problems have to be from adjustments other teams are making because often it happens right from the start of the second half rather than 20 min in.
     
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  3. jmh

    jmh New Member

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    Jul 2, 2006
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    Brooklyn, NY
    Re: RE: Do you think fitness is part of the issue?

    That may be the case, but there are some guys who definitely have drop-offs late in matches. With Murphy, that might just be because he's getting old, but with Bouazza, it's definitely something that should be addressed through training.
     
    #3
  4. Clevelandmo

    Clevelandmo Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2007
    RE: Re: RE: Do you think fitness is part of the issue?

    I agree Murphy tires probably due to age, you should just sub him rather than push the conditioning. Bouazza looks like his fitness could use some improvement.
     
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  5. Clevelandmo

    Clevelandmo Active Member

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    Sep 13, 2007
    Here's what Stefanovich said, dont know if he means "shape" as in conditioning or something else, but looks like your suspicions may be right omsdogg.

    “For the last couple of days we’ve been working on the shape of the team because for him this is one of the most important things – especially after we lost so many goals in the last couple of minutes. We need to sort it out as soon as possible and he is the guy who is going to sort it out. The Gaffer wants us to be focussed for 90 minutes and keep the shape for 90 minutes no matter what’s happening.
     
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  6. jmh

    jmh New Member

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    "keep the shape for 90 minutes" sounds to me to be more about not scrambling and getting out of position when the other team is pressing, but I certainly could be wrong.
     
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  7. GaryBarnettFanClub

    GaryBarnettFanClub New Member

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    Sep 29, 2006
    Location:
    Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey
    Totally agree with jmh, shape is to do with the organisation of the team not the condition. I don't think fitness is a particular problem, it seems more psychological in the last 10 than enything else. No-one is particually blowing or dropping down with cramp, but they do look tentitive and there is a lack of composure.
     
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  8. Clevelandmo

    Clevelandmo Active Member

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    Sep 13, 2007
    Yes, all, I was thinking that too, but then thought that "scrambling and getting out of position" might ultimately have to do with conditioning. GaryBarnett, I'm sure you know more than me about this stuff so I'll take your word for it.
     
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  9. HatterDon

    HatterDon Moderator

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    Peoples Republic of South Texas
    "keeping your shape" is all about offensive and defensive positioning. A winger has to know there'll be people in the middle for him to cross to when he makes a run and, hopefully, a fullback to overlap him if necessary. Similarly, a central defender who goes up to challenge for a high clearence just inside his half, has to know that someone will be responsible for the area behind him.

    Man U are excellent at keeping shape. One of the reason that Renaldo scores so many goals is that he keeps the defense spread. If he's on the right wing and Giggs is running the left sideline, he may go towards the penalty spot to accept a cross, but if there's nobody who can cover his place, he'll probably wind up perching just outside the box waiting for a deflection or a less than full blooded clearance. It's amazing how many goals he scores after a 12 pass buildup -- with not a single pass by him.

    The other thing about keeping shape is that if teams tend to sag, they get in each other's way [think Steve Davis/Murphy] and more than one of them can be marked by one opponent.

    I'm personally glad to see that Roy wants us playing with more width and depth.
     
    #9
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