Fitness regime is key to Hearts avoiding high injury count

Ex-captain Pressley backing Neilson to make squad more physically robust
New Hearts manager Robbie Neilson will make the players fitter, according to Steven Pressley. Pic: SNSNew Hearts manager Robbie Neilson will make the players fitter, according to Steven Pressley. Pic: SNS
New Hearts manager Robbie Neilson will make the players fitter, according to Steven Pressley. Pic: SNS

Hearts will be fit for purpose this season, according to ex-Tynecastle captain Steven Pressley, who believes that a more arduous training regime will allow the Gorgie side to avoid the succession of injuries that have plagued them over the past couple of seasons.

Citing the emphasis new manager Robbie Neilson places on physical fitness and strength and conditioning, Pressley believes the Hearts squad will be in peak condition for the Championship campaign.

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“If you look at the real success stories in football right now, the Leeds Uniteds and Liverpools, they are built around the physical condition of players,” said the former Falkirk, Coventry and Carlisle manager. “Not just being physically ready to turn up and play but physically ready to perform at the highest levels. That is the real difference.

“The problem for Hearts has been the number of injuries over this period. There have been too many and it is something Robbie will address. My personal opinion is that if you are in really good physical condition, then you are far less susceptible to the injuries they have suffered. Under Robbie, when the likes of John Souttar returns I feel we will see a player who goes injury free for a much longer period of time.”

Pressley also expects Souttar’s centre-back partners Craig Hallkett and Christophe Berra to come back stronger in the new season.

“Your physical condition has a big influence on your performance. I have said that the likes of Craig and even Christophe Berra and John Souttar, were rushed back and although they did that to try to benefit the team, it doesn’t do players any personal favours.”

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