Can Ruben Peeters help Liverpool overcome injury challenges?

Liverpool FC’s recent appointment of Arne Slot as head coach has brought significant changes to the back team, including Ruben Peeters. Peeters, a sports science specialist, is expected to play a crucial role in preventing the injury crises that have plagued Liverpool in recent seasons.

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– Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2024

Key appointment: Ruben Peeters

Former Feyenoord head of physical performance Ruben Peeters joins Liverpool as a key member of the Slot team. With a master’s degree in sports science from KU Leuven, Peeters is renowned for his expertise in periodization – a method that carefully manages training loads to prevent injury.

During his tenure at Feyenoord, Peeters’ strategies were instrumental in keeping player availability levels above 90%. As noted by The Athletic, “For three seasons, the Rotterdam team’s player availability levels have been over 90% and Slot has played a key role in this, listening carefully to the experts who have put together one of the most successful medical and performance departments in world football.”

Addressing Liverpool’s injury problems

Liverpool’s 2023-24 season has been plagued by injuries, with 21 different players ruled out, as reported by premierinjuries.com. This issue was highlighted in February when key players such as Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah were unavailable at the same time. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool managed to secure the Carabao Cup but struggled in other competitions.

The appointment of Peeters is seen as a proactive measure to mitigate such injury crises. Peeters’ meticulous approach to training and recovery, as he demonstrated at Feyenoord, could significantly reduce Liverpool’s injury burden.

Implementation of Periodization in Liverpool

Peeters’ method of periodization involves tailoring training loads to the specific needs of each player and ensuring optimal recovery times. This approach was very effective at Feyenoord, where daily briefings and customized training programs were the norm. Slot’s reliance on Peeters’ expertise in this area was a key factor in their successful partnership in the Netherlands.

The integration of periodization at Liverpool aims to replicate this success. As Peeters takes over the responsibilities previously held by Andreas Kornmayer and Andreas Schlumberger, the focus will be on balancing intense training with adequate recovery to maintain player fitness throughout the season.

Early signs of change

Liverpool’s pre-season training under Slot and Peeters has already shown signs of a new approach. The team underwent a six-minute running test to assess VO2max levels and maximal aerobic speed (MAS). These values ​​are crucial for understanding each player’s cardiovascular fitness and tailoring training accordingly.

In addition, innovative exercises such as shoulder tag games are used to improve balance and coordination, reflecting Peeters’ emphasis on varied and engaging training sessions. These early changes indicate a shift towards a more scientific and methodical approach to player fitness.

Looking ahead

As Liverpool prepare for next season, the focus is on preventing injury and keeping players fit. The success of Slot and Peeters at Feyenoord offers a promising blueprint for Liverpool. If Peeters can replicate his previous achievements, Liverpool could see a significant reduction in injuries and a more consistent performance throughout the season.

Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s new sporting director, is also playing a vital role in this transformation. His experience in keeping injury rates low at Bournemouth will be invaluable as he oversees Liverpool’s medical and performance departments.

All in all, the integration of Ruben Peeters into Liverpool’s backline marks a strategic move to address the club’s injury woes. With a systematic approach to training and recovery, Liverpool aim to keep their players fit and ready for the challenges ahead. As the new season approaches, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.