Do you think fitness is part of the issue?

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

"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.

 

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.

 

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.