Pre-Season Training: The Dreaded Return for Premier League Players
As Premier League players gear up for the start of a new season, memories of grueling pre-season training sessions come flooding back. TalkSPORT host Gabby Agbonlahor, who played for Aston Villa in the Premier League, shares his traumatic experiences of pre-season training and the physical toll it takes on players.
For Agbonlahor, pre-season was a nightmare of endless running, bleep tests, and endurance training in hot conditions. The mornings would be filled with intense running sessions, followed by a short break for lunch. Then, in the afternoon, when the body had stiffened up from the morning session, the players would have to run again. Agbonlahor describes the pain and discomfort he felt during these sessions, likening himself and his teammates to marathon runners by the end.
The conditions during pre-season training can also be dangerous, especially in hot and humid locations. Agbonlahor recalls a training session in Hong Kong where the heat and humidity were so intense that players had to change their tops every 20 minutes due to excessive sweating. One player even became sick and threw up on a teammate while running.
However, it wasn’t all misery during pre-season. Agbonlahor fondly remembers a trip to Marbella with his team, where they had a more relaxed training schedule. They would have one session in the morning and then head to Ocean Beach Club for lunch and a bit of dancing before an afternoon session. Unfortunately, such trips are rare nowadays, as players are often sent to remote locations in Austria or Germany to avoid distractions.
Agbonlahor also shares some amusing anecdotes from his pre-season experiences. He recalls a time when the manager forbade the players from going out during a tour in Hong Kong. Despite the security measures put in place, Agbonlahor and his teammates managed to sneak out for a night on the town, much to the manager’s displeasure. Another memorable moment was when the team met Tom Hanks, a Villa fan, during an American tour. However, Agbonlahor was surprised when Hanks didn’t recognize him, despite being one of Villa’s star players.
As players prepare for pre-season training, Agbonlahor offers some advice based on his own experiences. He warns against sleeping too much during breaks, particularly if players are in a city like Las Vegas. According to Agbonlahor, the worst mistake one can make in Vegas is to take a nap in the evening. The combination of jet lag and the stimulating atmosphere of the city can result in oversleeping and missing out on the nightlife.
Despite the challenges and hardships of pre-season training, Agbonlahor acknowledges its importance in preparing players for the upcoming season. It is a time for players to build their fitness, endurance, and mental resilience. While it may be grueling and dreaded by many, it is a necessary part of being a professional footballer.
In conclusion, pre-season training is a physically and mentally demanding period for Premier League players. It involves hours of running, bleep tests, and endurance training in hot conditions. However, amidst the pain and discomfort, there are also moments of camaraderie and even some fun. As players return for pre-season training, they will undoubtedly face the challenges head-on, knowing that it is all part of the journey towards success in the upcoming season.