England"s training regime criticised by Raymond Verheijen

Posted on May 29, 2012 by adminsports

Ex-Wales assistant Verheijen blasts England training regime after spate of injuries

UPDATED:

08:51 GMT, 28 May 2012

Top fitness coach Raymond Verheijen has branded England’s training regime amateurish and prehistoric after injury concerns overshadowed the 1-0 win in Norway.

The former Wales assistant manager, who is advising Russia at Euro 2012, suggested Roy Hodgson and his staff were overworking players and putting them at risk.

Gareth Barry lasted less than half an hour as a second-half sub in Oslo after feeling pain in his groin, while goalscorer Ashley Young and his Manchester United team-mate Phil Jones were taken off with hamstring fears.

Blow: Gareth Barry looks set to miss Euro 2012 with a groin injury

Hodgson admitted he feared ‘the fatigue factor’ after heavy training sessions, which brought a scathing response from Verheijen.

The Dutchman wrote on Twitter: ‘Groin injury for Gareth Barry. Roy Hodgson: “We had three tough days in training.” Which amateurs are in charge of the England periodisation

‘Roy Hodgson: “Phil Jones & Ashley Young felt hamstrings tighten so we removed them as a precaution.” Jurassic Park at international level.’

Verheijen, who has also worked with Holland and South Korea at major tournaments, as well as top English and European clubs, also criticised his home country and Germany’s approach.

‘The golden rule of football periodisation: never play games with tired players. Very high injury risk. Never compromise matches for training.

Strain: Ashley Young was also withdrawn as a precaution

‘The worst thing you can do after a long/hard season is to plan intensive (double) training sessions. Just train once a day. Short & sharp.

‘At the end of a long season, fitness level of players is fine. With short/sharp sessions they regain freshness again without losing sharpness.

‘Most important reason for these injuries & overtraining is that insecure coaches want to put too much training in only 3 weeks preparation.

‘Every Euros or World Cup people are disappointed about the quality of football. That’s because most stars are either injured or exhausted.’

Danny Welbeck and Glen Johnson missed the Norway game with injury concerns, while Scott Parker showed little sign of his achilles problem.

Gary Speed memorial match: Craig Bellamy set for tearful farewell

Posted on February 29, 2012 by adminsports

Bellamy set for a tearful farewell at Gary Speed memorial match

An emotional Craig Bellamy withdrew from the press conference ahead of Wednesday night's memorial match for Gary Speed.

It now remains to be seen if he will do likewise as far as international football is concerned.

The Liverpool striker will lead out Wales at the City of Cardiff Stadium alongside injured skipper Aaron Ramsey.

Centre of attention: Bellamy is set for an emotional farewell

They will walk with Speed's sons, Ed and Tommy, in front of a near-capacity crowd as the Welsh footballing fraternity pays tribute to one of its most-cherished figures.

Bellamy, 32, was due to speak to the
media but pulled out at the last minute. Even now, some three months
after Speed's death, the striker was unable to guarantee that he would
keep his composure.

Emotional: Bellamy pulled out of the pre-match press conference

Head coach Chris Coleman did not feel it was the right time to speak about assistant Raymond Verheijen, who resigned last Friday.

And Bellamy too probably did not want to field questions about his own plans, even though they appear to be clouded.

Coleman revealed that the former skipper was persuaded to continue his international career by Speed. He hoped that he could do the same.

'I would prefer it if the words came from Craig himself,' he said. 'He's a very experienced boy, a passionate Welshman who has still got lots to offer.

'Effectively, it will be down to whatever he wants to do. I hope he stays with us because we need a Craig Bellamy – like most teams do – on and off the park.

'The indications are positive. But that's not for me to say. It will be for him to say Yes or No.'

It was left to Ramsey to sit alongside Coleman and speak about the tragedy that befell Speed's family and the nation on November 27 last year.

In the spotlight: Ramesy is set to lead the national side out with Bellamy

Arsenal's midfielder, at such a young age clearly not used to confronting death, managed well until he was asked about how Speed had influenced him.

'He made me Wales captain. He saw I was capable of doing that and I got on well with him as a person. So it was very emotional for me. A hard time for us all – and for the team as a whole.'

In memory: Wales will play in honour of Gary Speed who died last year

With the tributes planned by the FAW, a surreal atmosphere will certainly surround tonight's friendly

'Of course we want to win for Gary,' said Coleman. 'We cannot – and don't want to – get away from the fact of why we are all here. The most important thing is that Gary's family will be there, remembering and celebrating a very good guy.'

Wales remembers a lost son

Raymond Verheijen quits as Wales No 2

Posted on February 25, 2012 by adminsports

Outspoken Verheijen takes a swipe at Welsh FA after quitting as Wales No 2

Raymond Verheijen used his twitter account to announce his resignation as Chris Coleman's assistant manager – and fire a bitter parting shot at the Football Association of Wales at the same time.

The outspoken Dutchman ended his 12-month stay by accusing the country's football authorities of playing 'political and destructive games.'
Verheijen was brought into the Wales set-up by Gary Speed and his decision comes just five days before the commemorative match against Costa Rica that has been set up in memory of the late head coach.

Great success: Verheijen and Gary Speed

He tweeted: 'Earlier today I have
informed the FAW I will resign. Have enough of their political and
destructive games. Very sad day.'

He later added: 'Very proud to be part of FIFA's most-improved team in
2011. Would like to thank the players and fans for an amazing journey.'

Chris Coleman: new Wales manager

Verheijen seemed set to stay on with the FAW following crunch talks with
Coleman that were supposed to clarify the lines of demarcation within
the management structure.

A number of leading players, such as skipper Aaron Ramsey and Gareth
Bale had voiced their support of the Dutch coach in the wake of Speed's
death three months ago.

Mindful of that, Coleman was keen to keep his new charges onside but now
it seems as though he will press ahead with plans to bring in Fulham's
youth coach Kit Symons.

Verheijen's methods and outspoken style did not always hit the right
note with his employers who nevertheless thanked him for his work last
night.

'The FAW accepts the resignation with regret,' read a statement, 'Raymond was due to assist the Wales squad in the match against Costa
Rica.

'But in light of the forthcoming match and the sensitivities of it, we
wish to make no further comment at this time other than to thank Raymond
for his work and wish him well.'

Verheijen wants Giggs or Rush to continue Speed"s legacy as Wales boss

Posted on January 13, 2012 by adminsports

Verheijen wants Giggs or Rush to continue Speed's legacy as Wales boss

Gary Speed's assistant manager has rejected the choice of Chris Coleman as the country's new boss, sparking an unseemly and bitter battle at the heart of Welsh football.

Dutchman Raymond Verheijen has thrown his weight behind the appointment of either Ian Rush or Ryan Giggs in an attempt to 'protect' Speed's legacy.

And that has left Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford with a major headache ahead of a qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.

Legacy: Raymond Verheijen (right) is keen to continue the work of the late Gary Speed

Officials at the FAW in Cardiff had identified the former Fulham manager as their first-choice to replace Speed.

But Verheijen, who is believed to have the backing of several influential players within the Wales squad, says that it is pointless overhauling what Speed put in place. He is asking instead for a figurehead to work within the framework set up by his late boss.

'Normally when a manager is sacked, players have to adapt to a totally different way of working when someone new comes in,' he said, 'this is totally different.

'Obviously, it is a very delicate and sensitive situation. But Gary has left behind a successful system. It is working very well.

Front-runner: Coleman is the favourite for the Wales vacancy

'I would hope everyone would understand that all we need is a figurehead to step in.

'What we don't need is a manager with his own ideas and his own people because what has been built up could be destroyed over a period of months.

'I feel that either Ryan Giggs or Ian Rush would be perfect to fill that role. They are true Welsh footballing legends and men who can be identified with the footballing public in Wales.'

Four victories in Speed's last five matches lifted Wales a staggering 73 places in the FIFA rankings.

Figurehead: Verheijen wants either Ian Rush (above, left) or Ryan Giggs (below) to assume the mantle

Wanted: Giggs

Verheijen, who has worked alongside Guus Hiddink at three World Cup finals, added: 'It's almost like people don't realise what an incredible improvement the players have made.

'Given that success you would expect that the FAW might consult Gary's number two along with his captain. (Aaron Ramsey) I haven't spoken with them.

'We must protect and cherish this winning formula.'

Raymond Verheijen was speaking on behalf of the UK Football Academy Coach Institute and has today dedicated its' launch to Gary Speed. The 'Gary Speed Football Congress' at the Emirates Stadium on Feburary 8 is supported by the LMA and PFA and will become an annual fundraising event on the football calendar.

Chris Coleman set to succeed Gary Speed as Wales boss

Posted on January 12, 2012 by adminsports

Coleman set to succeed Speed as Wales boss with backroom team to remain

Chris Coleman will be confirmed as Gary Speed’s successor as Wales head coach later this month.

The former Fulham and Coventry City boss has been lined up to replace his close friend after resigning as manager of Greek second division side Larissa this week.

Speed beat Coleman, 41, to the job 16 months ago after John Toshack quit. Former Wales centre half Coleman has support from Welsh FA council members and has been contacted about the vacancy.

Back home: After managing Fulham, Real Sociedad, Coventry and Greek outfit Larissa, Coleman will be named as Gary Speed's successor

The decision needs to be ratified by the executive, led by Jonathan Ford, for it to receive formal approval.

Coleman has beaten several challengers to land the Wales role, with Mark Bowen a contender until he landed the job as Mark Hughes’s No 2 at QPR.

That means the path is clear for Coleman to return to British football.

Bright future: Wales captain Aaron Ramsey helped his side climb FIFA's world rankings to 48th place

Untimely death: Gary Speed

His appointment will be received warmly
and he will hope to carry on the encouraging results his former
team-mate achieved before his death in November.

Coleman still has to resolve certain contract issues with Larissa but once those are settled he will be able to take charge ahead of the memorial match for Speed against Costa Rica next month.

There is less certainty over what will happen with his backroom team, despite a number of players supporting the existing management structure.

Star striker Craig Bellamy remains behind Speed’s assistant Raymond Verheijen but the Dutchman has yet to be offered a new contract. His previous deal has just run out.

Captain Aaron Ramsey might be
disappointed at not being contacted by the FAW over the incoming manager
but Coleman will not instigate any radical overhaul of the backroom
team unless he has to.

Proud countryman: Coleman (second left) won 32 caps for Wales

Proud national: Coleman (second left) won 32 caps for Wales

This means Verheijen should stay with Wales and Osian Roberts will remain as technical director.

Keeping the pair is seen as crucial to the country qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. A run of four victories from Speed’s last five games has led to optimism that Wales can make it to Brazil.

Alex Ferguson tells Wales to forget about appointing Ryan Giggs as manager

Posted on January 10, 2012 by adminsports

Hands off our Ryan! Fergie tells Wales to forget about appointing Giggs as manager

Staying put: Giggs will not be taking over as Wales manager

Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected an approach from the Welsh FA to make Ryan Giggs their new manager.

The FAW had highlighted the Manchester United legend as their main target when they began looking for a successor to the late Gary Speed earlier this month.

United boss Ferguson was approached and
told that Giggs would only be required in a part-time role so that he
could continue to play the club, but the Scot turned down the request.

An FAW source said: 'He [Giggs] was
always seen as the natural successor to Gary, but Sir Alex immediately
told us there is no chance.

'It’s disappointing as many saw Ryan as
the man to continue the foundations laid by Gary. But even a part-time
role, which was also mentioned, was also immediately rejected.'

Ferguson has revealed that he wants to
offer Giggs, who made 64 caps for Wales before retiring from
international football in 2007, a one-year contract extension.

That would take the age-defying midfielder into his 40th year.

The FAW will now turn their attention
elsewhere as they look to appoint a new manager before the Gary Speed
memorial match against Costa Rica on February 29.

Chris Coleman is the current favourite for the job, with John Hartson also in contention.

Captain Aaron Ramsey is disappointed that he has not been consulted by the FAW over their search for a new man.

Prize asset: Ferguson (left) wants Giggs to carry on playing for another season

Ramsey, 21, is keen for Speed's former assistants Raymond Verheijen and Osian Roberts to stay on in the coaching set-up, with Verheijen having indicated he would like the chance to take over as manager.

Ramsey said he would also welcome the
appointment of a senior figurehead, providing the current coaching
staff are kept on, as Wales look to maintain the improvement they showed
under Speed.

But the Arsenal midfielder feels that
the FAW should have been in touch by now to seek his views on the way
forward for the team.

Defying the odds: Giggs will be 39 this year

Asked if they have been in contact, Ramsey told BBC Radio Five Live: 'Disappointingly, no they haven't. I've spoken to some of the other players as well and they haven't been told anything.'

Ramsey suggested that other countries would have conducted the search differently by involving senior players.

'Obviously in the circumstances I thought they would have contacted myself and a few other players to ask for our opinion,' he said.

'We don't want to be taking a backwards step again and having a big change and players not wanting to turn up and play for their country.

'At the moment everybody wants to play. Everybody is reporting for international duty and enjoying themselves.'

Dutchman
Verheijen, who has helped coach Holland, Russia and South Korea, was
brought into the Wales set-up shortly after Speed's appointment in
December 2010 and had helped oversee a recent run of four wins in their
last five internationals.

Leader on the pitch: Skipper Aaron Ramsey is keen to take Wales forward

Ramsey
has warned of the potential for Wales, who have climbed to 48th place
in the FIFA rankings, to move in the wrong direction if the FAW make the
wrong appointment.

His
comments echo those of Gareth Bale from December, when the Tottenham and
Wales winger said he hoped the FAW would 'come to their senses and
stick with what we've got'.

'Gary brought in a lot of staff and
we had a structure there which we all knew, what we had to do, and we
just want as little change as possible,' Ramsey said.

'We
had great results in the last few games. Everyone was playing with
confidence and the style he and the staff have shown us we've adapted to
well.

'We don't want to have a big change now and have to go through that process again.'

Verheijen has expressed firm interest in taking charge and Ramsey would not want to see he and Roberts leave.

Team: Gary Speed (left) and Raymond Verheijen worked well together

'Absolutely, I think that's key,' Ramsey said. 'I've spoken to a few of the other players about it and they all feel like I do.

'We need to keep the staff we have now and I think what we've done so far has been really good and we can still build on it.

'So keeping the same people there is going to be key to our success I think.

'We don't want a new manager who is going to bring in a whole new staff which is going to bring their own styles and techniques.'

He added that the appointment of a 'figurehead' such as former Wales and Liverpool striker Ian Rush could be 'a good option'.

On playing for Giggs, Ramsey added: 'I'm not sure about what his feelings are about it but to have somebody like that would be a great appointment.'

Gary Speed"s Wales were highest climbers in 2011 FIFA"s rankings

Posted on December 21, 2011 by adminsports

Speed”s legacy: Wales finish year as highest climbers in FIFA”s rankings

The legacy of Gary Speed”s work with Wales has been underlined by their position as the highest climbers of 2011.

The world of football was left stunned last month when Speed committed suicide at his home in Cheshire, aged 42.

Double act: Gary Speed (right) with coach Raymond Verheijen

Speed was the manager of Wales at the time and his impressive work saw them climb the FIFA rankings.

Under his stewardship of Speed, they rose from 116th to finish the year in 48th place.

Speed, who took over towards the end of last year, oversaw Euro 2012 qualifying victories over Montenegro, Switzerland and Bulgaria, as well as impressive performances in friendlies including a 4-1 victory over Norway in his final match in charge.

That saw them amass 330 points under FIFA”s system, more than any other nation in the world.

The top 10 of the world rankings are unchanged from November, with world and European champions Spain in first place ahead of Holland, Germany and Uruguay. England finished the year in fifth place.

Raymond Verheijen criticised for wanting to take over from Gary Speed as Wales manager

Posted on December 12, 2011 by adminsports

Verheijen under fire for putting himself in line for Speed”s job in charge of Wales

Team: Verheijen (left) with Speed (right) watching Wales train

Wales assistant manager Raymond Verheijen has come under fire after suggesting he should be allowed to manage the national team, following the death of Gary Speed.

The 40-year-old, who has helped coach Holland, Russia and South Korea, believes he can continue Speed”s legacy.

He was appointed shortly after Speed became manager in December 2010 and has helped Wales enjoy a run of four wins in their last five internationals.

Verheijen posted on Twitter on Sunday: “Tomorrow the FA of Wales meet about the future of Wales.”

“Hopefully the board will respect Gary”s wish, so Osian Roberts [joint assistant manager] and myself can lead the team to Brazil.

“There is no need for a new manager with new ideas. Our success was based on Gary”s clear structure. Everybody knows what to do for mission Brazil 2014.”

But former Norwich and Leicester striker Iwan Roberts deemed Verheijen”s comments “selfish”.

Respect: Premier League clubs and fans all paid tribute to Speed

Regarded: Speed was highly rated and Wales were improving under his stewardship

Roberts, who played alongside Speed for the national team, told BBC Wales: “What he put on there really lefta bad taste in my mouth.

“Some of the things he”s posted on Twitter have absolutely shocked me. It”s very, very selfish.

“It”s just over two weeks since we lost Gary and just over 48 hours since Gary was finally put to rest.

“The timing”s shocking and I don”t think he should be putting his CV, if you like, on Twitter.

“He”s touting himself for the Welsh job. He”s put it out there in the public for everyone to see. That”s thething that sits really awkward and uncomfortable with me.

“He”s upset and angered me in the past with some of the things he”s posted but nothing [compares with this].

“Gary”s wish I find that quite astonishing when Gary”s family are still grieving.

“I don”t think anybody will have a problem with the FA of Wales discussing the future. Life goes on, as sad as it sounds,” added Roberts.

“They will discuss how Wales now go forward after such a tragic event.”

Wales” next game will be a friendly at the end of February, while their next competitive fixture is their opening World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Friday, September 7.

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