Manchester City’s Defensive Star Faces Intense Schedule
As Manchester City gears up for the start of the 2024-25 season, defender Ruben Dias is already feeling the weight of an intense schedule. Just prior to the season kick-off, Dias highlighted the demanding commitments ahead for himself and his teammates, posting a spreadsheet of their obligations alongside a relatable expression of anxiety, capturing the sentiments of elite athletes during such a busy period.
Playing Under Pressure
In the previous season alone, Dias, who is regarded as a key player for both club and country, participated in 57 matches. So far this season, he has already clocked 49 appearances, including a recent Nations League triumph over Spain. The busy calendar shows no signs of easing up as Dias prepares for the impending Club World Cup in the U.S. with his City colleagues, where they could potentially add up to seven more games if they reach the final, all while just over a month remains before the new Premier League campaign.
Concerns for Player Welfare
There is a growing concern among football circles regarding player welfare, especially with the introduction of an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup, which amplify the already hectic schedules faced by top athletes. Rather than taking time off to recuperate, many players are opting to use the limited breaks to enhance their fitness and performance levels, tackling workload management proactively.
Elite Training at PTW360
Dias is among a group of elite Portuguese footballers who have sought assistance from PTW360, a training facility located near Lisbon. This gym has become a hub for football players aiming to optimize their physical conditioning and overall performance.
Francisco Martins, a former semi-professional player turned fitness coach, opened PTW360, attracting talents such as Milan’s Rafael Leao, Chelsea’s Renato Veiga, and Sporting CP’s Trincao. Dias was among the first elite athletes to train there, starting his journey in preparation for the Under-19 European Championship in 2016. Eight years later, he continues to prioritize this training as a four-time Premier League champion.
Individualized Training Approach
At PTW360, every athlete is thoroughly assessed through muscular endurance exams to uncover their physical strengths and weaknesses. Alongside Martins, coach Ze Miranda—a former rugby player with a background in human kinetics—emphasizes individualized training methods tailored to each player’s unique requirements. Miranda notes a knowledge gap among even top-tier players concerning gym training, often utilizing a one-size-fits-all approach at their clubs.
“While many players reach elite status based on technical skills, there’s a growing need for them to strengthen their physicality. We focus on zone-specific drills; for example, reinforcing a centre-back’s aerial challenge strength and agility.”
He praises Dias’ exceptional mentality and competitiveness, likening his drive to that of a Marine.
The Importance of Off-Season Training
The gym’s summer programs have emerged as ‘pre-pre-seasons’, eager to help players maintain their athletic prowess before regular training resumes. “The off-season is incredibly vital for us,” Martins points out, explaining the unique atmosphere where athletes focus on maximizing their potential. He recounts how during one session, Chelsea’s Veiga broke a gym equipment handle amidst intense training efforts, depicting the fierce ambition displayed by athletes in their pursuit of excellence.
Success Stories through Tailored Training
Transformative success stories are not uncommon at PTW360; Miranda reflects on Veiga’s development from Sporting’s youth ranks to a €14 million transfer to Chelsea, pointing out significant improvements in his physical composition. With bespoke training, Veiga, who once struggled with his physique, now boasts impressive muscle mass critical for his gameplay.
Player relationships with PTW360 continue to expand through personal referrals, with West Bromwich Albion’s Josh Maja among those drawn to the facility. After an injury sidelined him for part of last season, Maja is determined to make the upcoming season his strongest yet, benefitting from ongoing training sessions tailored to his needs.
Injury Prevention and Holistic Approach
As injuries remain a pressing concern for many modern players, Miranda addresses the pressing need for injury prevention through targeted focus on key areas such as hamstrings, knees, and ankles. Moreover, the gym promotes a holistic approach, integrating nutrition, sleep quality, and recovery techniques like sauna and cryotherapy into their treatment regime.
Inspiration and Challenges
This shift in training philosophy has resonated even with younger generations, as aspiring players draw inspiration from established stars like Dias and Leao. The spotlight on player preparation comes at a time when Leao is often critiqued for perceived laxness, despite his undeniable talents. Martins recalls the early days coaching the young winger, noting his exceptional potential and steady growth.
However, logistical challenges arise for players stationed outside Portuguese clubs, necessitating remote training to maintain fitness while adhering to club regulations. Miranda emphasizes the importance of clear communication with clubs to ensure a holistic development approach is achieved for each athlete.
