On the third day of training Thomas Tuchel gave me … three doves, two large pillows and a ball. Christmas is over!
This is a lie, of course. There were no doves.
Chelsea’s training on Friday featured some work with a small size 1 football, which is often used for tricks and skill training. It’s not something we see very often at this level, but Tuchel is known for his innovative methods and innovative thinking, which has the side benefit of keeping things fun for players. They can be professional, but the repetitive daily routine can tire anyone.
The friend of the blog Sébastien Chapuis has a beautiful analysis on Twitter of thinking in addition to such exercises, which you should check if you are interested in coaching methodologies and processes.
Why no speed (chasing) or unnecessary force (ball protection) today?
It is an injury risk for players who are doing their first training since the last game
It is likely that the game was played on a square, neutral players and without direction (without impediment) pic.twitter.com/dfq5hxJ0Dt
– Sébastien (@SebC__) January 29, 2021
Today’s training also featured life-size ball work, while goalkeepers were beaten with some pads to prepare them for Burnley’s burley bruises. Petr Cech probably liked being a donor, for a change.