As managers navigate longer injury lists as a result of increasingly packed calendar and high-intensity tactics, the work of performance directors is beginning to shape the sport, writes Miguel Delaney
The Premier League is experiencing a severe injury crisis, with teams facing longer and more persistent injury lists due to a condensed schedule and high-intensity tactics. Performance directors are increasingly influential in managing these challenges, as exemplified by Ange Postecoglou's management at Tottenham. The crisis has been exacerbated by recent tournaments, including the rearranged Euro 2020, resulting in three major competitions within three years. FIFA's initiatives to expand the Club World Cup and Champions League have added strain, causing tensions with the Premier League over scheduling adjustments. This situation underscores the growing importance of injury management and its potential impact on league structures.
