Serial fitness critic Raymond Verheijen has fired a barbed ‘told you so’ message to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, after predicting that the Reds manager’s methods would see his side run out of steam in the second half of the season.
Verheijen, a coach at three World Cups with Holland, South Korea and Russia, and who has been a fitness consultant for Barcelona, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Chelsea and Manchester City, warned Klopp in September that his gegenpressing philosophy would see Liverpool struggle later in the season.
Last autumn wrote: “Because of Klopp’s intense training and playing style, it’s very likely the Liverpool players will struggle in the last months of this season.
“Overall, Klopp is one of the best managers in the world. But he clearly has some flaws in his pre-season training methods. Raise your bar!
“After a few seasons the Dortmund players were totally squeezed by Klopp: many muscle injuries, several ACL injuries and relegation problems.”
He was quick to retweet his views last night after Liverpool’s latest disappointment of 2017, adding: “Most people in football have opinions on hindsight. Liverpool crumbling in 2nd half of season was already predicted multiple times in August.
“When the Liverpool dip was predicted last August the fans were laughing because Liverpool was winning. But are they still laughing now?
“Liverpool manager Klopp has run his players into the ground during pre-season. Consequently, players cannot perform during an entire season.
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“Why are so many people surprised about Liverpool fading in second half of season? It was predicted over and over again during pre-season.
“Fantastic coach. Great in developing a playing style.
“But does not have a clue about the principles of periodisation.”
Periodisation is the systematic planning of athletic or physical training.
Liverpool 0-1 Southampton
Verheijen is a relentless self-publicist, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also having been on the receiving end of criticism from him in the past over The Gunners’ injury record.
The Dutchman, 44, was a promising academy player but was forced to retire through injury at the age of 18.
He studied for a masters at John Moores University in Liverpool and was appointed assistant manager of Wales under Gary Speed.
He has also been a personal fitness coach to formr Reds striker Craig Bellamy during his spells at Manchester City.