Pre-Season Training: A Gruelling Experience for Premier League Stars
As the pre-season training is about to kick off in full swing, Premier League stars are preparing themselves for the gruelling weeks ahead. While some players may have enjoyed a break from international duty last month, they are now returning to their clubs, ready to be put through their paces. However, for many players, the thought of pre-season training fills them with dread.
Former Aston Villa and England player Gabriel Agbonlahor recently shared his experiences of pre-season training on talkSPORT. He described it as a traumatic period filled with running, blisters, and more running. Agbonlahor reminisced about the morning sessions followed by lunch, only to be followed by another round of running in the afternoon. As players get older, their bodies stiffen up, making the recovery process even more painful.
Agbonlahor admitted that he hated pre-season training, comparing it to being a marathon runner. The physical demands placed on the players can be overwhelming, leaving them exhausted and in pain. He recalled a video that went viral last summer, showing Tottenham players pushed to their limits during their pre-season training in South Korea. The sight of players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min struggling brought back brutal memories for Agbonlahor.
The conditions during pre-season training can also be challenging. Agbonlahor mentioned his experience in Hong Kong, where the hot and humid weather made it dangerous for the players. They had to change their tops every 20 minutes due to excessive sweating and water loss. The intensity of the training sessions combined with the extreme weather conditions can take a toll on the players’ bodies.
In addition to the physical challenges, pre-season training can also lead to some embarrassing moments. Agbonlahor shared a story of Ross McCormack throwing up on Nathan Baker while running. These incidents highlight the extreme exertion and strain that players go through during this period.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Agbonlahor also recalled a more enjoyable pre-season experience under former Villa boss Martin O’Neill. He mentioned a trip to Marbella, where the coaching staff had the opportunity to be close to a perfect golf course. The players had one session in the morning and then headed to Ocean Beach Club for lunch, followed by a bit of dancing and an afternoon training session. This more relaxed approach provided a welcome break from the usual gruelling routine.
Pre-season training is undoubtedly a challenging time for Premier League stars. The physical demands, extreme weather conditions, and the constant running can be overwhelming. However, it is also a crucial period for players to build their fitness levels and prepare for the upcoming season. While some may dread it, others may find ways to make it more enjoyable, like Agbonlahor’s experience in Marbella.
As the new season approaches, fans eagerly await the return of their favorite players. They may not be aware of the intense training these players undergo during pre-season. The dedication and hard work put in by these athletes behind the scenes are what allow them to perform at their best on the pitch. So, as the players return to their clubs and begin their pre-season training, let’s appreciate the effort they put in to entertain us week in and week out.