Fulham’s Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Department received a glowing assessment from summer signing John Arne Riise this week.
Having played for Monaco, Liverpool and Roma, the Norwegian international described Fulham’s medical team as the best he has ever seen.
As Fulham prepare to travel to the Ukraine on Wednesday morning, Riise explained the balance between work and rest required to ensure the players remain at peak condition over the course of the season.
“It’s a challenge for the players and also for Medical department to balance the warm downs and recovery time,” explained Riise. “That’s why we’ve probably got the best ever medical department I’ve ever seen.
“They know their job and it’s up to us to rest and eat properly when we’re at home and be mentally prepared for the game because some of us will be playing 40 or 50 games this season if we go far in Europe. You need to take care of your body and that means resting, eating and drinking properly.”
Fulham are back in action on Thursday night in the Ukraine, looking to secure their place in the Group Stages of the UEFA Europa League before Sunday’s Barclays Premier League match at St. James’ Park.
Martin Jol’s team certainly have a demanding schedule of late and with the rest between games required, there is little time for sightseeing on European travels,” as Riise explains.
“I’ve been travelling around the world and I haven’t seen anything! I’ve seen a lot of hotel rooms, receptions and eating lounges,” said Riise.
“I don’t care because I’m working and when I get to the hotel I want to rest and be ready. There’s no chance to see anything but it is weird to go to all these nice places and not see anything!”
Follow Fulham’s UEFA Europa League Play-Off (second leg) against FC Dnipro in the Ukraine live on fulhamfc.com on Thursday night. With live match commentary and live updates on Twitter and Facebook, the Club’s official channels are the only way to follow the Whites.
