How, following prior victories, Rob Edwards hopes to address...

Rob Edwards outlined his plan to address Middlesbrough’s injury issues, noting that each player has a part to play in

the process.

Under Michael Carrick, Boro has lost out on a play-off in each of the previous two seasons. One possible explanation

for both incidents is the team’s exceptionally high injury list during the season. Although injuries have increased

throughout the game, they have been significantly more at Boro.

In the next season, Edwards will be attempting to find a solution to this issue. A strong injury record was the first

thing the new Boro manager mentioned when asked whether there were any similarities between his Forest Green

and Luton Town promotion winners. He then went on to identify the essential elements of success.

“I think it’s across the board – I wouldn’t just say it’s a Middlesbrough problem,” Edwards responded when

questioned further about injuries and his key to success in this area. At the present, more injuries—and more severe

ones—are occurring. That seems to be the way the game is going. Teams aren’t necessarily travelling farther now

than they did twenty years ago, but the game is undoubtedly faster and more intense.

“We know that. I think the best way to be prepared for that is that we’re part of a team – we’ve got brilliant people in

the sports science department, so we can make sure we’re aligned and make sure we’re not over-cooking or under-

cooking people because both can be damaging.

“The style we play must be able to be trained. Throughout the week, the players must be able to feel and experience

that. We must accomplish that without causing harm to others. We’ll have to reach a point where the training

becomes more challenging than the game, and we want the game to be fierce, although one or two might break a

little early on.

As a team, we must ensure that each member is taken care of while also pushing them to their limits. We don’t want

to undercook them, but we also don’t want to shatter them. We need to help folks find their sweet spot, and there are

many factors to consider right now, including your recovery, sleep patterns, and diet. That’s all part of it.

“We now play a game that has become so ultra-professional that players must ensure they are living like top athletes

even when they leave the training field.”

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