The inside guide to getting a LaLiga team into shape in pre-season

Malaga CF are up and running again, just like the rest of the LaLiga Santander clubs. New boss Juande Ramos's revamped side impressed during their recent involvement in the Aachen Cup, as part of the LaLiga World project. Although they lost to hosts Alemannia Aachen in the final on penalties, they looked in fine fettle. On this note, LaLiga.es recently talked shop with Enrique Ruiz, Malaga's fitness coach, who outlined the keys to an effective pre-season.

"We think that pre-season should last around six weeks. We feel that's the right length of time to reach the start of the LaLiga campaign in the best possible shape," said Ruiz. Getting the squad ready is very much a team effort: he and his fellow members of the coaching staff are in constant contact with other departments of the club, and a lot of planning is done beforehand. "Prior to getting pre-season underway, we talk to the medical staff, the nutritionists, the podiatrist and so on. Input from all of them is paramount to make sure that we get an accurate picture of a player's condition," he added.

MCFTV| Los futbolistas tienen claro lo importante que es comer fruta cada día #ValoresBlanquiazules pic.twitter.com/uv7ik29Sy9

— Málaga CF (@MalagaCF) July 27, 2016

A pre-season programme typically involves plenty of running (with drills that include pace changes), countless sessions in the gym and a whole host of other exercises. However, whilst the fitness side of things is vitally important, an adequate diet and keeping well hydrated cannot be neglected. Meanwhile, what's known in the field as 'invisible training' also has a part to play, with ample rest considered a vital ingredient to any pre-season regime.

MCFTV| Señores, aténse bien las botas que el entrenamiento va a comenzar  #PretemporadaMCF #VamosMálaga pic.twitter.com/u1ZdQOMqcF

— Málaga CF (@MalagaCF) July 27, 2016

 

The footballing world is constantly undergoing technological advances and one of these has seen Ruiz and his team – like the staff at the majority of LaLiga clubs – able to call on the assistance of GPS systems in their work. "We gather data about everything that a player does out on the pitch, be it during training or in matches. This information helps us to assess what sort of condition a player is in and allows us to cater for their needs," Ruiz explained.

Pre-season preparations are now in full swing at all 20 LaLiga Santander clubs and with just three weeks to go before the beginning of the season, the race is on to be in peak physical condition come the big kick-off.