Tag Archives: burnout

Jack Wilshere says injury could save him from burnout

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My injury saved me! Wilshere claims 14-month layoff could prevent burnout at Arsenal

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UPDATED:

10:49 GMT, 27 December 2012

Jack Wilshere has said being out of action for 14 months might have helped him avoid burning out.

The Arsenal midfielder has been looking on the bright side of his ankle and knee injuries and claims he’s in peak fitness, although admits there were some frustrating times.

‘I was at Emirates for every single home match,’ Wilshere told the Arsenal magazine.

Burnout: Jack Wilshere believes he could reap the benefits of his long-term injury

Burnout: Jack Wilshere believes he could reap the benefits of his long-term injury

‘It was hard at times, because I really wanted to be out there. Not just for my own selfish reasons but I wanted to help the team too because we had some difficult periods last season.

‘There were a few moments [it was hard to miss out on]. When Thierry came back in January for example. He’s a legend and I really wanted to play in the same team as him. I also would have loved to play in that north London derby in February.

‘When I look back now though, I could probably have done with a break, having played so much the previous season. Obviously I didn’t want the break to be so long, in fact I didn’t want to have a break at all, but if I look back on this in 10 years’ time, it might have done me some good in the long run.’

Back on song: Wilshere had a frustrating time on the sidelines

Back on song: Wilshere had a frustrating time on the sidelines

In the mix: The youngster has returned to Arsenal's midfield

In the mix: The youngster has returned to Arsenal's midfield

The 20-year old signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners earlier this month, which he described as his way of repaying manager Arsene Wenger’s loyalty, while he credits Cesc Fabregas for wise words on how to make a footballing career last.

‘My body is stronger than it was before,' he said. 'I’ve done a lot of work with Declan Lynch and the other physios here over the past year. I’ve improved my core, improved my leg muscle strength – everything.

'Cesc [Fabregas] used to say to me ‘take it easy, don’t play too many games’. Obviously I didn’t want to have a year off. But when I’m 24 or 25 I won’t have played as many games as someone like Cesc, and that will help me.'

Roberto Di Matteo fears Fernando Torres burnout

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Di Matteo fears Torres burnout… but will start striker in clash with Norwich

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UPDATED:

22:34 GMT, 5 October 2012

Roberto Di Matteo admitted Fernando Torres may be at risk of burnout as he prepares to ask the striker to lead the line for Chelsea on Saturday.

Torres looks set to maintain his record of starting every one of the European champions’ games this season when they take on Norwich in the Barclays Premier League.

The match is Chelsea’s seventh in just 21 days, a punishing schedule that has seen manager Di Matteo take every opportunity to rotate his squad.

Starting again: Fernando Torres is likely to start against Norwich despite his manager's fears over burnout

Starting again: Fernando Torres is likely to start against Norwich despite his manager's fears over burnout

He almost certainly would have rested Torres during the past three weeks but for an injury to Daniel Sturridge, who is the club’s only other recognised senior striker.

And Di Matteo admitted it was something he might need to address after Torres returns from the upcoming international break.

Asked if burnout was a concern, he said: 'It’s our seventh game tomorrow in 21 days and he’s in good shape, he’s very fit.

'But, certainly, it’s something we have to look at.'

The benefits of players being given time off have been laid bare by Juan Mata’s scintillating form since his return from a fortnight off.

The winger’s holiday included the last international break, with Spain agreeing not to pick him at the time.

He was also left out of his country’s squad today for this month’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Belarus and France but there was no such respite for Torres, with Di Matteo confirming a similar request was 'not on the agenda at the moment'.

Other players who feature at the top of the minutes-played list for Chelsea this season are Ashley Cole, David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic.

'Every player’s different,' Di Matteo said.

'With Mata, it was because of the busy schedule he’s had over the summer.

'Some of the other players have had a rest because they were not involved the Euros or after the Euros.

'That’s why I need to look at every individual as a player and decide.

'But, at the moment, there are no breaks for anyone on the agenda.'

Di Matteo was delighted with Mata’s response to his own break, which has seen him rack up four goals and four assists in his last four games.

'It was just common sense to give him a break and the way he’s performing suggests that it was very welcome by his body and mind,' Di Matteo added.

'Juan Mata is a very intelligent man and I talked to him about this idea, and he bought into it and he saw the benefits of it.

'Juan has really raised the bar again after this break.

'But if you look at how he played last season, he had a fantastic first season in the English Premier League.'

Bold: Roberto Di Matteo has handed Torres an appearance in each of his side's Premier League games this season

Bold: Roberto Di Matteo has handed Torres an appearance in each of his side's Premier League games this season

Ready The likes of Ashley Cole (left) were in training ahead of Saturday's match

Ready The likes of Ashley Cole (left) were in training ahead of Saturday's match

That saw Mata crowned Chelsea’s Player of the Year and asked if he could top his performances from last term, Di Matteo added: 'I hope so.'

Chelsea head into the weekend three points clear at the top of the table but Di Matteo played down the psychological impact maintaining or extending that gap could have on their rivals.

'It’s too early,' he said.

'We’re only six games into the league.

'There are so many more games to play, so I think it’s too early to give a judgement on the table now.'

Di Matteo was more concerned about his own side and ensuring they kept they avoided a repeat of their last performance before an international break, their 4-1 UEFA Super Cup thrashing by Atletico Madrid.

He added: 'It’s a fact that every time you play in the league after a Champions League game, you need to mentally focus on that again.

'There’s an international break coming up as well and the last game before an international break for us was not good.

'It’s the mental aspect of it.

'Complacency might come into it but it’s more focusing back into the league.'

On song: Torres has found some form in recent games

On song: Torres has found some form in recent games

Juan Mata not worried by burn-out at Liverpool

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Play me at Anfield! Mata tells Di Matteo he's not worried by burn-out ahead of Munich

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UPDATED:

18:58 GMT, 7 May 2012

Juan Mata has insisted there is no chance of him suffering burnout ahead of what could be more overtime for the winger in Chelsea's Barclays Premier League game at Liverpool.

Mata looked set to be handed a well-earned day off at Anfield following Saturday's FA Cup final triumph against the same opponents, with most expecting the Blues' top-four bid to have ended on Sunday.

But Newcastle's defeat to Manchester City and Tottenham's draw at Aston Villa – coupled with Arsenal's failure to beat Norwich the previous day – kept alive sixth-placed Chelsea's slim hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League via the Premier League.

Preparations: Raul Meireles, Roberto Di Matteo and Fernando Torres in training at Cobham on Monday

Preparations: Raul Meireles, Roberto Di Matteo and Fernando Torres in training at Cobham on Monday

They must beat Liverpool for the second time in four days to stand any chance of overhauling two of the three teams directly above them, leaving caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo with a real selection dilemma.

The Italian admitted after Saturday's Wembley win that his line-up would depend on the outcome of Sunday's games, something which suggested that were a top-four finish mathematically impossible, he would make wholesale changes, with the May 19 Champions League final in mind.

But he would have been pondering whether to field his strongest possible side, one that would surely contain Mata, who is the only outfield player to have featured in all 18 of his matches at the helm.

After winning the FA Cup in his maiden season in English football on Saturday, exhaustion was the furthest thing from Mata's mind.

'I have plenty of energy left,' said the Spain star. 'It is a long season and my first in England, but the benefits of winning easily outweigh the fatigue.'

Di Matteo may wait for the outcome of the game between Blackburn and Wigan before making up his mind how strong an XI to field. Chelsea host Rovers on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday and, if Steve Kean's men are already relegated, Di Matteo could be more inclined to field a weakened team against them and a very strong one at Anfield.

Tuesday's fixture is arguably one of the toughest Chelsea could have faced after beating Liverpool on Saturday. Kenny Dalglish's men will be desperate for revenge and to make amends both for their Wembley defeat and one of their most miserable seasons at Anfield in the club's history.

Full of beans: Juan Mata (left) says he is not tired despite the long season

Full of beans: Juan Mata (left) says he is not tired despite the long season

Mata said: 'It's a hard stadium to play away at. Liverpool showed they have a great team and they are dangerous at Anfield. We have to win and still believe in playing the Champions League next year.'

Frank Lampard insisted the game would have been harder if Chelsea had lost on Saturday.

'Less difficult than losing, without a doubt,' he said, referring to the respective confidence both sides now have as a result.

Di Matteo's other big dilemma is whether to gamble on the fitness of defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill ahead of the Champions League final. Both are set to miss the game with hamstring injuries, leaving them only one fixture to get match fit for the showdown with Bayern Munich.

Ready for the re-match: Frank Lampard is in cheerful mood after Chelsea's FA Cup Final victory

Ready for the re-match: Frank Lampard is in cheerful mood after Chelsea's FA Cup Final victory

Di Matteo, who on Friday was hopeful both would return to full training this week, said: 'We check how they are progressing on a daily basis. They are getting better but I don't know when they are going to be able to train with the group.'

Luiz was confident of training fully ahead of the Blackburn game, acknowledging it was vital he and Cahill were fit for Munich, with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic both suspended.

'Of course, I think it would be better for me and for my fitness, for the team, if I come back before the final,' Luiz said. 'But I don't need to do it too quickly – I need to be intelligent.

'I have to come back at the right moment, not before. I know my body, I know I am feeling good, and that will form part of the decision.'

Rory McIlroy taking Tiger Woods" lead and guarding against burnout

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McIlroy vows to take steps to avoid burnout and ensure peak condition for major battles

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UPDATED:

08:48 GMT, 3 May 2012

Rory McIlroy has taken a leaf out of Tiger Woods' book by limiting his playing schedule this year in a bid to prolong his career.

The popular 22-year-old Northern Irishman, the world No 2 and reigning US Open champion, plans to compete in roughly 23 events in 2012, seven fewer than last season.

'I don't want to be burned out by the time I'm 30,' McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's opening round of the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Taking time out: Rory McIlroy with his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki

Taking time out: Rory McIlroy with his girlfriend, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki

'I want to try and prolong my career as much as I can. I sometimes take a little bit too much out of myself, especially at the end of the season.

'The most important time for me in the golf season is from the start of April until the end of August. That's when all the big tournaments are and that's when you want to play your best golf.'

Woods, a 14-times major champion, has made an art form of peaking for golf's biggest events and, when fit, has generally played in no more than 22 tournaments worldwide each year.

McIlroy, who clinched his first major title in last year's US Open at Congressional, is eager to return to the major winner's circle and knows he needs to stay as fresh as he can, both mentally and physically.

'All the stuff either side of that (April through August) is more preparation work and making sure that your game is getting ready and your body is physically ready for that time of the year,' he said.

Rory's role model: Tiger Woods in practice for the Wells Fargo Championship

Rory's role model: Tiger Woods in practice for the Wells Fargo Championship

'I've got a busy stretch coming up now… here, Players (Championship), back at Wentworth, Memorial (tournament), US Open. I want to play good here and try and build up to the US Open. That's the next big target for me.

'I know I've been criticised a little bit for not playing as much as some other guys leading into these few weeks, but I know I've got a big stretch coming up, and I want to be as fresh as possible for this.'

McIlroy, who won his first PGA Tour title at the 2010 Wells Fargo Championship, returns to Quail Hollow Club this week for only his second tournament in the last two months.

Players' favourite: The PGA Tour is at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte this week

Players' favourite: The PGA Tour is at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte this week

In his most recent start, he tied for 40th at the Masters, fading over the weekend after lying joint third following the second round.

Since then, McIlroy has barely touched a club. He spent time with his girlfriend, Danish tennis professional Caroline Wozniacki, in Europe and only returned to golfing practice in Florida last week.

'I'm trying to find the perfect balance between golf and having a normal life and everything else,' said McIlroy. 'For me there's more to life than just golf. I don't know if people are surprised to hear that, but I have a lot more going on in my life than just golf.'