Every year the routine keeps the same: one Season ending and the preparation of another starts to arise.

Therefore, what is required when preparing a new Season? What should be of our concern to improve?

One thing is for sure, the meticulous preparation that takes place behind the scenes is paramount! 

“when I arrived in Europe I didn’t really understand why players were arriving the Training Ground (Club Facilities) 2 hours before the training actually started. Then I started looking at the big influential players, like Joāo Moutinho, Hulk among others, and I saw them taking care of their body in order to perform.”
Danilo (Juventus & Brazil National Team player)

Let’s just take a few obstacles of the way and say it clearly: Pre-season is not merely a time to regain fitness! Although that is very important during this period, the focus on the physical capabilities is an approach that has been losing fans throughout the years. Nowadays, Pre-season it’s a period to lay the tactical, strategic, physical, mental and psychological foundations for the challenges ahead. Consequently, is easier to understand that we cannot separate one vertical from another, and targeting one vertical of the preparation is not enough to better prepare the team. From explaining the Game Model, potential Tactical progressions or Team-building initiatives are very important to better know the players individually and how to turn them into a team, ready to face all the ups and downs that a long Season always bring!

At Elite Football Clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Real Madrid, Pre-season preparation is a well-oiled machine. Coaches like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola emphasize a holistic approach, blending rigorous physical conditioning with tactical drills and team-building activities. Physical fitness is restored through carefully structured training regimens that balance intensity with recovery, ensuring players reach peak performance levels without risking injury. This corner has developed tremendously throughout the years, thankfully, as now data providers are focused not only on analyzing data of distances, intensity, etc, but also on the injury prevention and injury exposure. As Danilo mentioned recently “when I arrived in Europe I didn’t really understand why players were arriving the Training Ground (Club Facilities) 2 hours before the training actually started. Then I started looking at the big influential players, like Joāo Moutinho, Hulk among others, and I saw them taking care of their body in order to perform.” From here we can understand that the Physical corner is one to be taken in consideration throughout the Season and not specifically at one part of the Season. 

Honestly, as we now understand, they all are!

Tactical awareness is another cornerstone to tap into at the Pre-season. Coaches implement and refine their strategic plans for the proposed Game Model, focusing on Tactical formations, set-pieces, Offensive and Defensive strategies on & off the ball, etc. Although is not possible to explain all during this period, it marks the beginning of the implementation of the strategies. But it
isn’t clearly advised to face it as a dissertation of all the moments of the Game, because even the Game Model may change, has varieties included, depend on moment of the Season or opponents, etc. 

Finally, this period is also critical for integrating new signings, creating a concrete sense of team, fostering team cohesion, and, naturally, ensuring that all players understand their roles within the squad.

“For example, in UAE there are a significant amount of initiatives for both individuals and companies that create an environment that will create growth in the region, understanding that in UAE the expat community is larger than 80% (!). For example, initiatives as creating lower Leagues/Divisions that promote international investment, providing a path/space for players to become a Professional Football Player and teams to get promoted and merged into Local Clubs; or creating a space for players to become UAE Nationals based on performance, from the Youth Development or adult players”

In the MENA region, Football Clubs are increasingly adopting these sophisticated Methodologies. The Aspire Academy in Qatar and the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco exemplify this trend, investing in state-of-the-art facilities and employing expert coaches to elevate both Pre-season and “On-season” standards. The Gulf regions, including countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, have seen significant investments in Football Infrastructure, Coaching, and Youth Development over the past decade. I would think about a few elements that have played a significant role, as: 

• Infrastructures & Facilities
• Professional Coaching Staff
• Sports Science
• Youth Development Initiatives
• Climate considerations
• Competitive Friendlies and International Tournaments
• Psychological Preparations
• International Partnerships

Developments as the recent Qatar 2022 World Cup, Saudi Vision 2030, UAE’s Strategic Initiatives are a signal a growing recognition of the importance of, not only but including, comprehensive Pre-season preparation in achieving long-term success. For example, in UAE there are a significant amount of initiatives for both individuals and companies that create an environment that will create growth in the region, understanding that in UAE the expat community is larger than 80% (!). For example, initiatives as creating lower Leagues/Divisions that promote international investment, providing a path/space for players to become a Professional Football Player and teams to get promoted and merged into Local Clubs; or creating a space for players to become UAE Nationals based on performance, from the Youth Development or adult players (ie. Resident Players/U23 spots at each Team, etc).

Aligning with these initiatives, Clubs are embracing scientific advancements in Sports Medicine, Nutrition, and Psychology to optimize player performance and well-being.

Concluding, Pre-season is a time of renewal and ambition, where the seeds of future success are sown. By embracing a multifaceted approach that prioritizes the 4 Corners – Physical fitness, Technical and Tactical acumen, and Psychological resilience – Clubs can ensure they are well-prepared for the demands of the new season. Just to reinforce the idea, this period of preparation is not just about physical readiness; it’s about building a cohesive, motivated, and strategically astute team ready to face the challenges ahead.

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