MLS: Maybe fitness not the problem we thought?
It was assumed that players’ fitness levels would be a major issue when MLS returns to play. However, based on recent comments, that might not be the case.
As Major League Soccer’s plans for a return to play pick up the pace, the league and players continuing to discuss plans for a World Cup-style tournament, it was initially believed that fitness would be a major problem.
FIFA sanctioned a rule allowing five substitutions throughout a match, some even suggested playing shorter matches to aid with late-game fatigue, while there have been extensive debates revolving around how long teams need to train together in preparation for competitive football, to which an answer still has not been found.
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I even wrote about the pitfalls regarding playing fitness that MLS and other leagues around the world will have to manage as they look to return to play. However, as the return to play has already occurred for the Bundesliga, approaches for La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League, and remains on the distant horizon for MLS, it seems as though fitness might not be the problem that everyone initially thought.
This week, Atlanta United’s Jess Larentowicz spoke about his own physical readiness ahead of a return to training and eventual competitive play. Speaking to reporters on a video conference call Thursday via mlssoccer.com, Larentowicz said:
"“I’m much more prepared now than I was. Once we get to full team training, I don’t think we’ll need very long in terms of fitness. What happens tactically and game experience? That might take a little bit of time to knock some rust off, but I think we’ve all acknowledged that can happen in games. In terms of fitness, we’re in a great spot. We’ve been fortunate to have a club that’s taken all the proper steps to keep us safe and allow us to get back on the field.”"
Gary Neville made a similar point speaking on Sky Sports’ The Football Show when discussing the June 17th return date for the Premier League:
"“I don’t see players’ fitness being a concern – I don’t see them needing four or five weeks. Even when they’ve had six weeks off for pre-season, within 10 days of going back in they’d be playing games again in pre-season. They wouldn’t be 100 per cent fit but these are uncharted times. I wouldn’t expect the players to be absolutely perfect. I feel two to three weeks is about right to get them back playing again.”"
This comes after the Bundesliga has played for two weeks and three rounds of matches. There has been no uptick in injuries, players have looked fully fit late on in matches, and the standard has been exceptionally high. Where there were expectations of rustiness creeping into the games, players have played at a high level. In terms of the action on the pitch, it is as if the break never happened.
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Perhaps, then, the fitness concerns that many held midway through this break are not as pressing as first thought. That is not to say that they do not exist, and it does not mean that MLS can rush players back to action without sufficient contact training. However, it might mean that the standard on the pitch might be as high as it was before the break, even if the surroundings off the pitch are very different indeed.