Liverpool's injury struggles are well-known, and fans are keenly aware of the need for change, with hopes pinned on the new lead physical performance coach to make a difference.
In the previous season, 22 senior players from the Reds were sidelined due to injuries, missing a combined total of 362 games. This unsustainable figure serves as a stark indicator for Arne Slot and his team to address.
Despite the club's medical department consistently performing at a high level, this summer has sparked a call for change, including the addition of Ruben Peeters. Slot brought Peeters with him from Feyenoord, and he has already begun his role as the lead physical performance coach for the first team at the AXA Training Centre.
According to The Athletic, during their three-year tenure at the Dutch club, player availability was over 90 percent – a target Liverpool is eager to reach. Peeters played a crucial role in what has been dubbed "one of the most successful medical and performance departments in world football," with Slot recognized for his willingness to heed expert advice.
The duo is noted for their meticulousness, with Peeters always seeking methods to enhance performance through various means, including sleep and diet. At Feyenoord, Peeters would give Slot detailed briefings on the optimal daily training duration for the squad, showcasing his thorough approach.
It's reassuring to know that a head coach is open to guidance, and it's expected that Slot will be inundated with reports upon the return of his international players.
Virgil van Dijk has expressed his exhaustion after an exceptionally long year, signaling a need for careful management from Peeters and the medical team.
