Injuries : Antonetti tries to understand

Nine out of twenty four players have been hit by muscle injuries. This is the assessment made by Ouest-France, this Friday. “It’s abnormal, and it is the first time it happens to me at this level”, Frédéric Antonetti explained to the newspaper. “We had a reflexion with the medical and technical staff to try and understand.”

The Rennes manager admits he « has been raising his demand early January » to give his team «a dynamic and active style » in order to prepare for « what is awaiting [them] ».
Another possible explanation for the coach : « we have a very important quantity of players with the profile of sprinters, with a very explosive muscular strength. This is a choice we assumed since last year, we were torn apart by the big teams. With the players you can qualify as having above average endurance, such as Danzé, Lemoine, Leroy, we see less muscle issues since they have the natural ability to multiply their efforts.”

The manager also discusses the playing conditions on (“muddy, heavy pitches”) and the life hygiene of players, (“which we call the invisible preparation”).

Therefore, Frédéric Antonetti has decided to set up lighter training sessions af the « intense and difficult » league games.