by now the shock of spain's exit from the world cup has calmed down, and people are looking at what happened and what's going on. I believe the reason why spain bowed out so quickly is because of physical and mental tiredness and fatigue. most of the players have been playing essentially non-stop for almost six years without a proper break, and that takes its toll. here are some stats:
- euro 2008, spain: winner. final played 29 june. first game of la liga 2008: 30 august.
- season 2008-09, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 27 may. first game of la liga 2009: 29 august
- world cup 2010, spain: winner. final played 11 july. first game of la liga 2010: 28 august
- season 2010-11, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 28 may. first game of la liga 2011: 27 august
- euro 2012, spain: winner. final played 1 july. first game of la liga 2012: 18 august
- confederations cup, spain: runner-up. final played 30 june. first game of la liga 2013: 17 august
most often the pre-season training and friendlies start about a month before the first game of the season. many times there's also champions league qualification games.
looking at these numbers, there's only been two years (2009 and 2011) where there's actually been a proper off season. most of the players are also key players in their teams, meaning they usually play more or less every game, and 90 minutes plus extra time. keep in mind also that real madrid won the champions league this year.
a lot of people say that the players don't have the same hunger anymore, but I don't really believe that's true. which player that has won one trophy would not want to win it again? it's like having a delicious piece of chocolate and think "nah, I've already had it once, I'm done" - who would do that?
obviously there's the fact that their strategy and tactics have been analyzed and counter-plays developed, but the fact that they are physically exhausted probably also played a big role.
what do you think? could this be a reason?
- euro 2008, spain: winner. final played 29 june. first game of la liga 2008: 30 august.
- season 2008-09, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 27 may. first game of la liga 2009: 29 august
- world cup 2010, spain: winner. final played 11 july. first game of la liga 2010: 28 august
- season 2010-11, champions league final: barcelona winner. final played 28 may. first game of la liga 2011: 27 august
- euro 2012, spain: winner. final played 1 july. first game of la liga 2012: 18 august
- confederations cup, spain: runner-up. final played 30 june. first game of la liga 2013: 17 august
most often the pre-season training and friendlies start about a month before the first game of the season. many times there's also champions league qualification games.
looking at these numbers, there's only been two years (2009 and 2011) where there's actually been a proper off season. most of the players are also key players in their teams, meaning they usually play more or less every game, and 90 minutes plus extra time. keep in mind also that real madrid won the champions league this year.
a lot of people say that the players don't have the same hunger anymore, but I don't really believe that's true. which player that has won one trophy would not want to win it again? it's like having a delicious piece of chocolate and think "nah, I've already had it once, I'm done" - who would do that?
obviously there's the fact that their strategy and tactics have been analyzed and counter-plays developed, but the fact that they are physically exhausted probably also played a big role.
what do you think? could this be a reason?
I completely agree with you, I think fatigue is one of the main reasons for what's happened.
ReplyDeleteTo the accumulated fatigue over the years that you have mentioned, I would add this season's in particular. The core of the Spanish National team is formed by Barcelona, Real and Atletico Madrid players (and some in Chelsea). These 3 teams fought for the Liga title until the very last game. Added to that, during the year Barcelona and Real played all Copa del Rey games as they got to the Final, and so did Atlético and Real in the Champions League, which finished not even a month ago. Real also had the Clubs Worldcup in December. You also have to add up National team official and friendly games during the year.
All this practically means 2 matches a week between August and mid-May. Real and Atlético players did not join the Spanish pre-worldcup trainings and friendly games beacuse of how late they finished their Club's Regular season... which means less time to get used to their National Team's teammates style (although to be fair they know them pretty well after all these years...)
It is easy to say now, after this has happened, but Del Bosque probably should have tried and put some new and young players and change a bit more the team. Many in Spain were saying this should happen, when he announced the team before the worldcup started, but I personally did trust in this squad.
In the other hand, maybe some players weren't ready to play. Casillas hasn't played many games in the last year and a half since that Mourinho guy took him off. Valdés was making one of his best seasons when he got injured in February, Barcelona's season would have definitely been much much better if it wasnt for this, and I think he was ready to be the keeper before Casillas.
ReplyDeleteXabi Alonso, and Barcelona defenders Pique and Busquets (Barça team in general -sigh) didn't do as well as they should have this season, whilst Atletico was amazing. Maybe some more changes were needed (Koke for Xavi, Javi Martinez for Xabi Alonso, de Gea for Casillas...) but this changes will definitely happen in the next months.
Bright side - there's an amazing young team waiting. Really, really brillian youth who have been doing very well in young European and World championships.
Deulofeu, Thiago, Jesé, Isco, Illaramendi, Bartra, Montoya, Muniain, Ander Herrera...
Spain will definitely be back on top soon enough!!!