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Brendan's training philosophy

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red_maradona

red_maradona

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It's clear that Brendan's training routine has improved our players no end and we are seeing the rewards on the pitch. Flanno, Hendo, sterling, Sturridge to name a few have improved remarkably. I would say Suarez has also improved. Gerrard has now successfully adapted to a position others didn't think he could. Yes the players have talent, but BR IS doing something to bring it out.

Anyone got any insights into how he approaches training and what we are doing different/same? I assume a lot of possession with the ball. But is there anything else?
 
When he first arrived he said something along these lines: "You don't train players, you educate them. You train dogs." I remember disagreeing with that at the time (from an educational point of view, which I know something about, I'd have said you need both) but nobody can quarrel with the results he's getting now.
 
Judge Jules said:
When he first arrived he said something along these lines: "You don't train players, you educate them. You train dogs." I remember disagreeing with that at the time (from an educational point of view, which I know something about, I'd have said you need both) but nobody can quarrel with the results he's getting now.
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yeah, i saw that quote too, liked it, but any insights into what he is actually doing? only 5 a-sides?
 
There's no way it's only five a sides, the team has played a variety of formations & often switches between them in match, there's no way they do that based on chalkboards & five a sides alone.

I suspect he works with groups of players together, so maybe Suarez, Sturridge & Henderson. Sterling, Sturridge, Coutinho. Gerrard, Allen, Henderson. Etc etc, that would explain some of the movement between the smaller groups on the pitch developing alongside the entire team developing.

That's all guesswork though, alongside the impression the photos that the club release.
 
There is definitely a lot of touching and feeling...similar to what Cruyff did with pre pubescent Messi, Fabregas, Iniesta et al at Barca.
 
stolen from RAWK - 2013 pre-season


Pre-season is upon us, and the vital work in getting players fit and up to tactical and technical speed has begun. With this is mind, it’s interesting to know what the style of work is that the team will be using, and how the sessions are put together.

However, a screen capture of Rodgers training notes from one of the Indonesia sessions seems to have found its way on to the internet, and from that we can extrapolate some ideas of the kind of work that Rodgers has the team doing, and what concepts are being worked on so far.

The Session –

The session is broken up into 6 sections. It moves progressively from warm-up to large game situations, with a 5 minute cool down period at the end. It follows a very Iberian coaching method pattern, displaying the Mourinho influence in much the same way that Villas Boas’ sessions do. The main emphasis is on possession as the central objective of the session, with specific work on penetration and width from the fullbacks.

Section 1 –

The first section is the basic warm-up, which is done in a relaxed manner, but building up key movements from specific to general. The idea is to build up to greater mobility utilising the movement patterns that will be used in the sessions. These movements will be mostly forward and lateral movements, turning, sprinting from a slow start, and quick changes of direction. This section lasts 15 minutes, building in non-contact, non-pressure activity into the next section, which will introduce more ball work and raise the intensity a little.

Section 2 –

This section involves rondos, or the circle keepaway games that all teams do. Assuming that the keepers will have their own separate workout, this probably makes the numbers at 8v2, in tight areas, probably with a touch restriction. This touch restriction keeps the ball moving quickly and also means the same players aren’t left in the middle for the whole drill. The tight area also allows for the intensity to be controlled, so as not to be too intense and thus increasing the chance of injury by working too hard too early. The key points for this exercise are quality touch, observation, body shape and reaction speed – as well as positioning , turning and reaction speed for the inside players. All of these are factors that are central to playing a high possession on pressing game. This section lasts for 10 minutes. At this point, the players are nearly ready for tactical work.

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Section 3 –

This section is a technical exercise, which can take the form of passing, dribbling, heading, shooting, or passing patterns. It is a short section, at 5 minutes, so is really designed more to fine-tune technical sharpness for the rest of the session. This is the last chance the players have to make sure they are “on point” with their technical work, as low quality technique will ruin the session and make the tactical work fruitless. In light of that, the key factors of this section are quality of execution and correct timing, and it is almost always done without pressure of defenders, or low pressure, in order to allow the players to focus more on their quality of work.

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Section 4 –

This section is getting closer to the “meat” of the session, and introduces the central concept of the team’s attacking game, plus some idea of the defensive game. The exercise is a 5v5 possession game, with neutral targets. In the training notes, the neutral players seem to specifically be Spearing and Robinson. What is interesting about this is that Spearing played as a right full in the Preston game, and the objective of the session seems to be the play of the fullbacks, and having them as the neutral targets might be a way of showing Spearing how to play with the patience of maintaining that position, and working on Robinson in the same area too (or using him as a “mirror” for Spearing to observe in terms of movement and timing of movement). The dimensions seem to be 30x30 yards. The key organisation to the exercise is for the two teams of five to possess the ball and play to their designated target. Both teams’ players have a maximum of two touches. This affects the play in that the previous technical points of body shape, reaction, speed of lateral movement, first touch and timing on the attacking side - and instant pressure and reaction on the defensive side – are magnified with the ball moving so quickly. Players have to think ahead, and think of two things – maintain possession and then penetrating at the right moment. For the neutral target players, the keys are lateral movement, patience, movement with the movement of the ball and quick acceleration along the line. This exercise is broken down into 3x2 minute blocks, and so is either operated as two grids, or two teams working and one team in active rest. It leads nicely into the next section.

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Section 5 –

This is the bones of the session now, with more emphasis on team-shape and – again – the operation of the fullbacks on the outside. The exercise takes place on a half-field with a goal at each end. The field is divided into three channels – a large central channel, and two wide channels, about 10 yards wide. There are two teams of 10, and each team playing a different formation. Team A is playing from a 4-4-2 with a second striker. This team consists of: Kelly, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Downing, Gerrard, Lucas, Coutinho; Alberto as second striker, and Aspas as central striker. Team B is playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, consisting of: Johnson, Toure, Wisdom, Flanagan; Allen, Henderson; Ibe, Sterling, Assaidi; Borini. The field is split such that the fullbacks from both teams are going 1v1 in their channels, leaving the central players playing in an 8v8 central game, putting a 2-4-2 (Team A) against a 2-2-3-1 (Team B). The game is played in 2x7.5 minute sections (for 15 minutes total), with goalkeepers. The patterns being worked on are the fullbacks staying wide and playing from wide positions with the ball, and the fullbacks cutting in with the ball to central areas. This is pretty much what we’ve come to see from our fullbacks since last season. The idea is probably to integrate the new players into how the fullbacks will be playing, as well as working on the patterns for the fullbacks themselves. The play is live always, meaning that when the ball goes out for a goalkick or corner, it gets played in from the keeper’s hands instead, so there is very little “down” time in the drill. This section is where team shape and patterns of movement are worked on.

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Section 6 –

This is the cool down section, and is concerned with static stretching and flexibility, and getting the muscles back to resting length while taking some precautionary measures to prevent delayed onset muscle soreness. At this point Rodgers will also debrief the players on the session, while asking questions to gauge understanding of the topic that was just worked on. This section lasts 5 minutes.

Attention to Detail –

What was interesting about the image that contained the session are the notes in one corner of the page. If the session is legitimate, it showed some very interesting things about Rodgers' attention to detail. One important note was to remember to honour the fans that had turned up to watch the training session. Putting this down on a session plan shows how much Rodgers values the people who support the team. There is a section that refers to “Sleep – moderate to low” – this probably refers to jet lag, and how intense the session can be due to a possible lack of sleep from the players. The most interesting note, though, is the reminder about the absence of paths in the hotel. This attention to detail is what separates good managers from average ones, and it is this kind of thing that gives encouragement that Rodgers on the right path to bringing success to Liverpool. The devil in coaching is, indeed, in the detail, and paying attention to something as innocuous as the state of the walkway at the hotel shows that Rodgers is concerned about any little thing injuring the players (a missed step can mean a sprained ankle). Added to that the probable recognition of the sleep condition of the players shows that Rodgers is leaving no stone unturned and no detail untouched in his quest to make Liverpool great again. We can’t tell if he will succeed for sure – but it certainly won’t be for a want of trying or lack of preparation.
 
New age, new philosophy for Rodgers' Reds: how killer instinct has replaced 'death by football'
LFC revelling in ‘clinical’ new style

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Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez training at Melwood
It may still be nine-tenths of the law but, for Liverpool FC at least, possession is no longer nine-tenths of the game.
Of all the charges levelled at Brendan Rodgers during his first season in charge at Anfield, the idea that the Ulsterman was more concerned with style than substance was one that stuck.
“At least you won the passing,” was a jibe aimed at Reds fans on more than one occasion, as their results failed to match their possession statistics.
Things have changed since. Liverpool’s results have picked up impressively, and their dedication to the “death by football” mantra that Rodgers preached upon his arrival on Merseyside has dropped somewhat.
Or at least, that is the perception.
(Use the drop-down menu to compare stats on average possession, aerial duels won, goals conceded per game, tackles won, passing accuracy, goals per game and shooting accuracy)
Liverpool’s average possession in league games this season is 54.4%, a drop from 57.2% last season. Not a huge difference, you might say, but significant given the improvement in the Reds’ league form (and position).

GRJ080214LIVERPOOLFC-23.jpg
Thumbs up from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers

They were the third-best team in terms of possession last season, but have dropped to ninth this term, behind the likes of Everton, Southampton. Swansea, Rodgers’ former club and the Reds’ opponents at Anfield this afternoon, top the possession table, averaging 60.1%.
A change in outlook? Possibly, though Rodgers has his own theory on why Liverpool are seeing less of the ball this season.
Statistics, taken across the history of the Premier League, show that teams taking a first-half lead will generally have between 4-8% less possession than usual. Liverpool have scored the first goal in 19 of their 26 Premier League games this season, and held a half-time lead in 18. It stands to reason that if you have something to protect, and the opposition has something to chase, then the possession stats will reflect that.

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Liverpool FC train ahead of Premier League clash with Swansea City
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“I like my team to control the game without the ball,” said Rodgers recently, and his Liverpool side, though far from perfect, are becoming more and more adept at that. There are few better counter-attacking sides around at the moment.
It means they are able to cede possession to a degree, safe in the knowledge that when the opposition surrenders it, they have the players, the quality and, crucially, the space, to break quickly and decisively. Six of their league goals this season have come from counter attacks, double the tally of any other side.
“The difference this season is that we’re clinical,” says Joe Allen . “I guess the manager will change his outlook over time, that’s natural, but the main difference from last season to this is that we are creating more chances and, crucially, taking more chances.”
Allen, of course, was Rodgers’ marquee signing upon his arrival, the beacon of the “passing, pressing and patience” game he had honed at Swansea. The Welshman, though, has featured only sporadically this season, with Liverpool’s midfield built around the more direct styles of Steven Gerrard , Jordan Henderson and, recently at least, Philippe Coutinho .

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Steven Gerrard celebrates with Jordan Henderson

That has helped the Reds create opportunities at an impressive rate – Gerrard, Henderson and Luis Suarez are all in the Premier League’s top 10 in terms of key passes per game, and the Reds attempt more throughballs per game (6) than any other side.
* Liverpool v Swansea - pick your Reds starting XI
Meanwhile, the presence of Suarez and Daniel Sturridge means those chances often have a finish to match. Liverpool’s shooting accuracy is 49.9%, up 6% from last season, and is well above the Premier League average. Their tally of 6.8 shots on target per game is a Premier League high, and they have scored the most goals from set pieces in the league.
Pragmatism? Hardly. Liverpool still cross the ball less (18 per game) than any side in the division, and have attempted the fourth-fewest long balls per game (56). Less than 10% of their total passes go long.
Crucially, though, Rodgers’ side are finding ways to win games, whether dominating possession or not.
They had 45% of the ball against Everton last month, yet won 4-0 .

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Liverpool FC 4 Everton FC 0: Pics Andy Teebay
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They had 47% against Arsenal, and won 5-1 . It was a similar story earlier in the season, when Manchester United were beaten at Anfield , despite bossing the possession count.
Statistics count for something, despite what the sceptics say, but the only one that truly matters, to steal a hackneyed commentary phrase, is the one in the top left-hand corner of your screen. Liverpool, it seems, have found a happy medium between football that is pleasing on the eye, and football that wins games.
Rodgers, ever the perfectionist, will know there is still room for improvement. But Liverpool’s progress, and their tactical development, under him has certainly been impressive.
Where they go from here is key, of course, but one thing is for sure, they don’t just win the passing these days.
 
the second article is interesting, we attempt the fewest number of crosses in the league, but still use width of fullbacks to stretch teams. brendan's earlier obssession with possession seems to have given way to pragmatism of being content to not have as much possession but counter attack.
 
red_maradona said:
stolen from RAWK - 2013 pre-season

Section 2 –

This section involves rondos, or the circle keepaway games that all teams do. Assuming that the keepers will have their own separate workout, this probably makes the numbers at 8v2, in tight areas, probably with a touch restriction. This touch restriction keeps the ball moving quickly and also means the same players aren’t left in the middle for the whole drill. The tight area also allows for the intensity to be controlled, so as not to be too intense and thus increasing the chance of injury by working too hard too early. The key points for this exercise are quality touch, observation, body shape and reaction speed – as well as positioning , turning and reaction speed for the inside players. All of these are factors that are central to playing a high possession on pressing game. This section lasts for 10 minutes. At this point, the players are nearly ready for tactical work.

tumblr_mq9zmdPwHN1rkxbaao1_400.png



/quote]

Being in the '2' above is an utter fucking nightmare. Complete exhaustion for about 60 seconds (or however long you do it for). If the coach has got it set up right, there should be two of the above boxes set up, and the moment everyone of the '8' players has touched it, you have to switch it straight over to the other box of 8, who repeat the drill. Meaning the '2' have to sprint over to that box and try to get it off them as well.

It's utterly utterly fucking shattering.
Click to expand...
 
Ryan said:
Being in the '2' above is an utter fucking nightmare. Complete exhaustion for about 60 seconds (or however long you do it for). If the coach has got it set up right, there should be two of the above boxes set up, and the moment everyone of the '8' players has touched it, you have to switch it straight over to the other box of 8, who repeat the drill. Meaning the '2' have to sprint over to that box and try to get it off them as well.
Click to expand...

What. Did you use to do that?
The mind of a true sadist....
 
^^ As are all of the above sections too by the way. I've seen them all done 100 times. Not very well mind you.

There are some really good and quick drill you can do hich take about 2 seconds to set-up, that can expose players who don't have a quality touch straight away.

Ange Postecoglou used to do one with us, involving 4 players and 2 balls. 1 player's doing the work, and the 3 others are standing still about 2 metres apart feeding the 1 player the ball for a volley or half-volley. Player 1 has to run side to side volleying it back to the person in the 3 who doesn't have the ball. So you're always hitting someone different, and using your alternate foot everytime. It's done at lighting pace, you've got to adjust in milliseconds, you have to hit the guy in the chest with the volley and your touch and timing has to be immense.

I've seen top class footballers fuck it up. Sorts the men out from the boys real quick.
 
Ryan said:
^^ As are all of the above sections too by the way. I've seen them all done 100 times. Not very well mind you.

There are some really good and quick drill you can do hich take about 2 seconds to set-up, that can expose players who don't have a quality touch straight away.

Ange Postecoglou used to do one with us, involving 4 players and 2 balls. 1 player's doing the work, and the 3 others are standing still about 2 metres apart feeding the 1 player the ball for a volley or half-volley. Player 1 has to run side to side volleying it back to the person in the 3 who doesn't have the ball. So you're always hitting someone different, and using your alternate foot everytime. It's done at lighting pace, you've got to adjust in milliseconds, you have to hit the guy in the chest with the volley and your touch and timing has to be immense.

I've seen top class footballers fuck it up. Sorts the men out from the boys real quick.
Click to expand...


So out of, say 20 volleys, how many were you able to get on target? How far away are the 3 from the kicker?
 
juniormember said:
So out of, say 20 volleys, how many were you able to get on target? How far away are the 3 from the kicker?
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Depends. Sometimes you're only 3 metres away, and if so you should be hitting them bang in the chest off both feet 20 out of 20. Good players can. Not me.

Take it back to a 8 metre range and you see the footballers with great technique and touch. If they can smack 18 out of 20 into the chest off both feet, then you've got yourself a footballer.
 
Regarding our training by the way, was it intentional that we didn't have much in the tank for the first 1/3rd of the season? I recall a lot of games early on where we just fell apart in the second half, and it wasn't just that we weren't executing, we just looked absolutely exhausted. Were we actually just playing our way into fitness? Or is that giving everyone too much credit, and adjustments were made?
 
Farkmaster said:
Regarding our training by the way, was it intentional that we didn't have much in the tank for the first 1/3rd of the season? I recall a lot of games early on where we just fell apart in the second half, and it wasn't just that we weren't executing, we just looked absolutely exhausted. Were we actually just playing our way into fitness? Or is that giving everyone too much credit, and adjustments were made?
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I said during that time that either our fitness guys had completely fucked up, or he was doing what houiller did & over training players early on to try to ensure they had the fitness levels to hit the end of the season harder than anyone else. I made the assumption based on the players all talking about Kenny's training being playing based & enjoyable, then being what looked like overtrained or unfit this season.

Recently Rodgers said in two interviews that 'we knew the final third of the season would be when we were strongest & that would give us an advantage'. I assumed he meant in playing style at the time, but he could have meant fitness wise, which would suggest it's very much been the plan all along.
 
Judge Jules said:
When he first arrived he said something along these lines: "You don't train players, you educate them. You train dogs." I remember disagreeing with that at the time (from an educational point of view, which I know something about, I'd have said you need both) but nobody can quarrel with the results he's getting now.
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Why did you disagree with it at the time?
 
Fair question. What I thought Rodgers was saying was that, whatever one actually chooses to call the preparation which players are put through, it should not be repetition by rote. While accepting that it couldn't all be like that, I would disagree with ruling out rote practice completely as in my view it has a very definite place in establishing motor skills of all kinds. In actual fact I suspect Rodgers *is* mixing the two, and IMO that's as it should be.
 
Judge Jules said:
Fair question. What I thought Rodgers was saying was that, whatever one actually chooses to call the preparation which players are put through, it should not be repetition by rote. While accepting that it couldn't all be like that, I would disagree with ruling out rote practice completely as in my view it has a very definite place in establishing motor skills of all kinds. In actual fact I suspect Rodgers *is* mixing the two, and IMO that's as it should be.
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I think he's mixing the two & is just using the semantics to glibly explain the difference between his approach & the more traditional approach, getting a cute soundbite in the bargain too.
 
Good article posted by Red M above, but IMO it gives a bit too much of the credit for Rodgers' development to Mourinho individually. I've no doubt Rodgers has learned from him, but Rodgers spent a lot of time in Spain and has learned from quite a few others too.
 
Saw that yesterday, playing red arse in training before the biggest match of the season says a lot about out team spirit.
 
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