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That were concentrations: "There are anecdotes that do not prescribe, but everything has changed"

That were concentrations: "There are anecdotes that do not prescribe, but everything has changed"

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"As much as I try, I will not be able to explain it to you".Thus Carlos Alonso 'Santillana' (67 years old) starts his memory of the concentration in Martona, where Spain stayed during the 78 World Cup.

"They thought we were not going to qualify, because we played the pass in Yugoslavia in a very complicated field, and of course, we did it.And by the time we wanted to realize there were all the selections with their little hotel in Buenos Aires and we had to go in a van almost 100 kilometers escorted by the police ahead and behind, in full dictatorship, until you reach our 'hotel',which was a kind of farm where animals had previously been.They put us in a block, there was no heating.We could only light a day electrical apparatus: if we left it at night we ran the risk of exploding through the air.We slept with blankets, it was very cold and there were frost.To shower we got under an industrial tube.There were no bathtubs.Of course, the military who cared for us and their women, who made us food, treated us great, "says the former leader, who acknowledges that when he tells his children and grandchildren they do not believe him."Some surely thought about returning to see that, but we couldn't return to Spain because they would surely have said: 'Look at these pijos children who are already back.'".

The Cantabrian knows very well what the concentrations are now on everyone's mouths, after they have flourished proposals for the players to meet for weeks with the aim of completing LaLiga in the best safety conditions.Something in which, says the AFE, "an unconstitutional situation can underlie"."They are important because you marginalize your daily life, you leave where your family or environment is...It is always good to concentrate, at least the last 24 hours before the game to be centered.In the 80s we asked the coaches permission to meet.Camacho, Juanito and I had the hierarchy of Real Madrid's locker...They were quotes where we told ourselves what we needed and ate the coconut and then paid in the field, "says someone who sees the real origin of the concentrations at the beginning of the 80s.

"It was there when they were born.In the prior to the European of 84 we already made them.We got together at the Saler to give walks and comment on details.We talked to Miguel Muñoz and we told him what we thought.That's when everything started.Then came the fifth, in 85-86, and everything followed its course, "recalls someone who gets nostalgic when remember.

"It was something else, all friends.There were neither means nor social networks.We did not know how the other teams played despite the reports.We were friends that after training we went together to take lunch.There were neither representatives, nor lawyers, secretaries nor anything, as is logical.Now they have them because they need them, they are companies.In our case we lived only to play and that is why concentrations were fine.The great Juanito took us to capeas that he loved, although we were prohibited.We escaped and he, who was a genius, did four things there with the heifers.What times! "

The concentrations of the selection have always given game by their nature and extension.One of the longest was the one that lived 'La Roja' in the 90s World Cup."We spent more than 40 days in Udine.It was old, they didn't let you rest any day.It's not like now, you have a game and there is already rest.They were superlargas concentrations.We were on the outskirts of the city, we had fantastic facilities, yes, but after ten months of the season it became expensive.The rooms were double [he played with Salinas].And there was neither internet nor social networks nor anything.All we did was wish to start the games.We suffered a little, but there were also funny moments, "says Fernando Hierro, who was captain of the National Team and Real Madrid.

In that was also Manolo Jiménez."It was many days, but we had to recover from LaLiga's efforts.All the players were focused on the event and it was useful, "says the Sevillist and current Mr. of the Al-Wahda FC, who acknowledges that the times have changed."In events such as World or Eurocup, where the bulk of the players are of different teams and are not used to playing many games in a row together, they are necessary for the coaching staff to guarantee that the players have an adequate diet and break for the competition.There are more chances of controlling players, offering tactical talks, visualizing rivals and focusing for the coming matches.They are important, but it is also true that every time players have more information, media and people who watch over them.That is why many teams limit concentrations at the equipment level and I don't see it as an error ".

The United States World Cup was not bad, according to Rafa Alkorta: "It was the longest because before going to Chicago we were in Puente Viesgo for many days.They were enjoyable because the group was fun and because Javi Clemente was not strict in the free time we had.We loved the hotel and food.In America we were also great.As at that time there was nothing, we were gathering all day, playing the cards and we also got out of the city because we had a lot of free time.I shared iron room.Memories are not bad.In the World Cups we had families nearby, even after some game we could be with them.But the funniest concentrations were in Valencia.When Camarasa and Jiménez came, anything could happen, they were devoted to Putaditas all day.Clowns dresses could appear in the elevator to hit you a death scare.When Claudio Barragán was also a show, we laughed a lot.Some phenomena ".

An ex -international that refreshes them with love, because the things that were lived there "are partly the sauce," is Miguel Ángel Nadal: "Once an 'attack' against a utillero at ten o'clock was scheduled at ten o'clock.I was preparing the clothes, the lights went out and we passed the razor by the head.They gave him an important scare because he seemed that he had been hit by two cow pacifiers.I remember another anecdote in a Stage with Barça.We were in Holland running through a forest, Van Gaal guided us by bicycle.He was marking the rhythm and lost to go fast, people began to get pissed off and we all ended up scattered.At first it always costs to go to concentration, but when you are there you have a good time.In addition to those of the National Team, it is normal to do the preseason with the club outside and then before the important matches.We trained in two sessions and then we gave the cards, to parchís and different games to kill time.I liked them because they raised our mood and made the players join us.Before the European Cup matches we also took up at the Juan Carlos I hotel or in Reina Sofía, with Mallorca the views were better because we had the sea nearby (laughs).Now it practically flies in the day and is different ".

When talking about concentrations and groups it seems impossible not to remember Pepe Reina, current goalkeeper of Aston Villa and one of the dynamizers of the red in his golden age: "Those made in long tournaments are fundamental are.That there is good atmosphere and not tedious makes everything easier in the field.I remember with special affection that of 2008, where a spectacular human group formed.Of the 23 summoned, there were nights that we got 18 in my room to play cards or chat.That is what is sought, energize a little so many days away from ours.They are fundamental, I have always tried to be positive and encourage them although there are also moments of downturn where it has to get the shoulder.Who has not missed their families in 40 days?That is why the classmates are, to vent and talk about everything.To those who have a good spirit spirit you have to put a 10 because logic says that they are the winning teams ".

Keys in White Gestas

Aquello sí eran concentraciones:

"There are anecdotes that do not prescribe, they cannot be counted," says Antonio Maceda, former Real Madrid player participates in several of the great European nights in which the white club hugged his audience and the epic to pass from round."The year of Borussia was perhaps the most spectacular.As soon as the game was over, the atmosphere was already cultivated.The concentration we made was decisive.God was armed there, something completely different from what he had lived in the selection or in Sporting.Small squeaky, we shouted nobody to Camacho!Juanito also threw a lot from the car.Of course, I was with 'El Soso' (Galician), which was to rest a lot and talk little.I told you 'Hello' at the beginning and then the rest was sleeping until reaching the stadium.You didn't cross another word with him, but it was a phenomenon because with gestures you got everything.The rest we played to the cards and distracted how we could.Already on the way to the field, for that specific party, it was crazy.I think it was the first time we were warming up in the house without going out to the grass, so that when we go out to play people exploded.We had lost 5-1 in Germany but we were convinced that we were going to win and we left very intensely.They had spectacular soccer players who screwed up.All this allowed concentrations, "recalls someone who saw more determinants than those of Spain.

"They were very different, because with the team you gathered after having been all season in Madrid, where in turn there were already concentrations for all matches.You did everything possible to motivate you, but with the selection we were not up to it.With Madrid yes, we lived magical nights and they were partly for those meetings ".

According to Martín Vázquez, they have changed a lot inside the White Club itself."On the one hand are the preseason concentrations and then there are the others, those of the matches.We always concentrated even to play in the league at home.To play in Europe Cup on Wednesday we were already since Monday, now all that has been reduced.Those of the beginning of summer have also changed, because before we were for a week in a mountain site and then we were going down height but we were still concentrated.There they gave us a juice and running all morning, then showering, eating and in the afternoon field, but sometimes you didn't even want because everything hurt.That does not exist now as a general rule, especially in large teams because there are now international pre -season matches and economic power has changed a lot ".But there are more differences: "Before we were two in the room and now they are individual.In our time, if at first you did not know yourself, you could go concentrated with a partner and then change according to fit.Butragueño was with Sanchís, I went with Hugo Sánchez and Míchel was with Gordillo...Sometimes it was not easy because one studied and the other did not, one liked to sleep soon and another later.The good thing is that the templates remained more than now and there were established couples.One already knew if a light bothered him, when he wanted to read.But we all had a good time playing the Mus or La Pocha.I know that this Madrid has billiards, soccer, play station, etc, "he says while remembering Gracietas that made colleagues.

"We had no consoles, but we had fun hiding some clothes so that when he came from showering he had nothing.Another partner took off his boots so that he could not play or even the bicycle so that he could not go home...There has always been picaresca but in those details was the fun, I remember that if you arrived late to snack, and nobody liked to scratch his pocket because he was not charged so much.It was also common for you to give you good castañazos around the hall, if you didn't comply with something.What you miss once you leave football is this, day to day and the bullshit that pass on the bus or the anecdotes of the concentrations.They are all those experiences that mark you ".

A secret meeting to say goodbye to evil Fario

Real Madrid had been winning the European Cup without winning 32 years.It was at a secret meeting, set in the massage room, where the keys to conquer the seventh."Those who tell it are Mijatovic or Iron," says Captain Manolo Sanchís passing the toast to Fernando.

"It wasn't something organized.Little by little we were gathering people in the room last night.There we were players, doctors, utilleros, masseuses...It was a way of being together and giving each other to each other.It was a spontaneous thing.They came one by one and we all got together.There was no memorable speech but we told ourselves anecdotes, we laughed and that facilitated that we went to sleep otherwise, because there was a lot of respect before such an appointment.It was very nice, we dared among all, "says the Malagaño.

There was also Dani García, who corroborates the version: "There was talk of the opponent, we motivated each other among all...But in that concentration, such as those of that time, there was also time for letters, La Pocha and the first mobiles.There were no more alternatives ".He had to free himself from tensions."We played a lot and there was pressure, that meeting came well.Since we landed in Amsterdam we knew what was coming to us, "says Sávio Bortolini.

Coaches allies

For coaches, concentrations are like a blessing.This is recognized by a historic of our benches as Jabo Irureta: "The funniest thing I can tell is how Arsenio was checking the rooms to see if anyone had escaped.There are several cases of soccer players who escaped because many were hard, players before were more warm.When he was a player at Atleti we were always going to eat at the San Lorenzo del Escorial hotel.We arrived on Friday afternoon, then we went to the town's cinema to see a movie and on Sunday after eating we returned to Madrid to play.Then, as a coach, it serves you a lot to put the team in tune and know firsthand what you have ".

An opinion that Secund Víctor Sánchez del Amo."As much as a player and coach I have always been very clear.The concentrations have three objectives: favor rest, control food and promote the work of group cohesion.They are used for this and you have to fit them in the appropriate moments that are required to work these concepts.In the preseason obviously they come very well because new people arrive.Throughout the season, with competitions and acquired habits, they lose importance.In addition, it is increasingly common for players to have breakfast and eat in the training field.At important times, such as key clashes, it is also good to isolate the team to be centered.In the case that there is right now with the pandemic, it has to do a bit with a situation such as the preseason, where you have to train more and you have to monitor rest and food.What happens is that we all like to be at home more than elsePoint out before highlighting one of the most curious anecdotes of which he has had to live in this type of situation.

"I started drinking beer for a stop with Real Madrid in Switzerland.We climbed several boys from the subsidiary that we had not tried alcohol, but one of the veterans rituals after training and before the food, in one of the terraces near the hotel, was to have a beer and spend a time of coexistence thatIt was very positive for the group.The kids looked bad for asking for a Coca Cola and that's why we started asking for beer, more than anything to integrate.From then on many players of the subsidiary we become a beer followers, always with moderate clear consumption ".

Touch adapt

According to experts, it is understandable that soccer players have a cost now to take this step."Something that sometimes forgets is that, before being athletes, they are people.They have been isolated in their homes for almost two months like all citizens and the fact of raising the idea of being confined again produces rejection as it would happen to anyone.This situation is not the most ideal to work at a high level and be able to perform as required.Here emotions have a very important role and finding an order within this chaos is necessary, ”says Lorena Cos, sports psychologist who affects the rarity of circumstances.

"It is normal for the athlete.Sport is important but health is more, so taking the necessary measures to stay strong is somewhat vital to follow.At the moment many insecurities and fears will appear since we do not know how it will evolve.Temer for your own health and that of yours is human, because zero risk does not exist.That is why it is logical that they consider that if there is the same risk it is better not to play, "he explains before taking out the most positive side."Sport is necessary and moreover, the return of the competition will help improve the psychological well -being of many families.But let's not forget that athletes also have a bad time and have lived this like everyone else.They have the right to feel insecure and even unprotected before the social pressure that this resumes.But it is time to accept changes and adapt, we will have to start living with it: look for strategies and make ourselves strongly.The athlete's context is essential to be able to render to a high level, so finding a balance will be essential to finish the season in the best conditions ".

In the same line, Alkorta, current Athletic sports director: "At this time heights getting into a concentration is harder because it is another completely different context.I don't know if it will be one, two or three weeks of concentration what will be to finish LaLiga.I don't think everything is confirmed.It is clear that it is not easy but you have to go within the Health Protocol, we will see what happens in the end because AFE does not agree with this premise ".For Martín Vázquez, who at his time as Mr. de Extremadura almost had no concentrations, he acknowledges that "what is being raised does not make much sense but everyone will have to do two or three weeks of training to collect again the form.The concentrations this time I do not have it so clear.That some team can be concentrated, it can be, but I think they should not all be together to see how the protocol develops ".

Irureta goes further: "It is a circumstance that we are living more problematic because of course, we are in a situation where you can spread almost until being concentrated.For them it is a lot of sacrifice to be so long from their families.It is a very difficult decision to be able to say whether or not it is convenient.I think you have to watch over health and have no symptoms or facts that can then carry a disease.We assumed it well, although players were very long.Now it is different and I understand what the players think ".

Common in other sports

In the king sport they have been losing some weight, but in other disciplines they are the order of the day.In cycling, for example, it is usual for a professional to spend more than 200 days a year away from home.It is well known by Carlos Verona, a runner from Movistar Team who, when he was 18, he already 'prepared' on his own in Navacerrada."I was going alone when I ran in the Burgos and I was combining it with the university.I took the opportunity to leave about 15 days or so and I stayed at the El Corzo or Pastiro hotel, which is just above.I escaped with the intention of disconnecting and being able to improve my condition.Then, already in professional teams, my teams (Mitchelton, Quickstep or Movistar) have not been very concentrations in height.I have continued to do them as one that I did in Sierra Nevada a couple of years ago, which I completed with Colombia, another before the turn...But yes, I remember with love those initial escapes to Navacerrada, they served me to vent my.

Carlos Barredo, an exciclist and current physical trainer of the Kometa team, knows very well what the concentrations are: "Thinking of a medium level cyclist of the World Tour or professional continental category, it can be away from home a year for about 180 days only withThe concentrations, previous days, competitions...All teams make two concentrations, a first of eight as a previous and one second of 15 more focused on performance objectives in addition to two altitude concentrations that are very hard because you are involved in a hotel and dedicate yourself only to training and resting.If the altitude work is not very assimilated, the minimum days that have to be done are 21 to take more than 80 days of competition with the previous days.If you add everything, you go almost 200 days away from home a year ".

The Asturian acknowledges that some of the funniest moments lived them in concentrations: "In my early years, with Manolo Saiz, it was usual for all the new ones to disguise one night and have to give a speech on the table.It was a way to break the ice and start creating a group.Then, in Quickstep, maybe we were somewhat more gross.To one of the young people, at a stop in the bathroom when we were close to arriving at the hotel, we removed the front wheel and after a while the bare boy appeared with the bike without that wheel and said nothing.They also looked at me on that team, I was talking one day on the phone and they touched me all over my body, like a mummy.They left me at the hotel reception without being able to move for more than two hours.In the end they are moments for athletes to know each other better and then that translates into teamwork and sports performance ".

"The most important are those that are done at altitude, some are done to prepare a large turn (which are usually done in Tenerife or Sierra Nevada), where the team puts everything at your disposal although they become a little monotonous.And the others do them with colleagues to make pineapple, recognize stages...It is true that there are people who are heavy and take its toll, although I think that those who are now considering for football would be fine, because they would be the way to start although they are different sports.In any case, in cycling they make you grow although they are now strange situations because we come from being confined and 'locking you' again is complicated, "adds Samuel Sánchez, podium in tour and back and only Spanish champion on the route of an Olympic Games.Cyclists are undoubtedly the 'kings of concentrations', telling David de la Cruz (currently in the UAE).

"Our sport has many.We already did this course in December in Benidorm with the entire team, then in January another with several groups distributed.It touched me in South Africa, now we had another one plan.They are very important because we are a team of 30 runners and we only get together in concentrations.In other teams there have been cyclists who have only seen them there because then in races we have not agreed and are also important for the topic of adjusting material.In other sports you can do that in daily training, but in ours not because we each live in different countries.In addition, you train at clear objectives and your work team (masseuses, mechanics, directors, chefs...) And that creates an important crop bald for the race.Hopefully this year he will soon turn to normal, not only for us but for all, "explains the Catalan, present in that novel concentration of Sierra Nevada that everyone stands out as decisive in Alejandro Valverde's World Cup triumph in 2018.

Famous are also other concentrations such as those drawing boxers to prepare great fighting where they make a monacal life that is not always simple to follow.Several were the occasions when they caught Tyson jumping that discipline.Those who have impossible to escape are South Korean athletes and even the Chinese, who prepare games from several years before locked in a kind of sports prisons where there is no life beyond training, good food and rest.In Spain, the swimmers 'fear' those devised by Fred Vergnoux, chief coach of the Royal Spanish Swimming Federation (RFEN), who to try to achieve their goals converts their athletes for months 'Water soldiers'.

In hockey more of the same occurs, to arrive accompanied to important appointments, they propose concentrations of almost two months where the greatest possible matches play to land together in the great appointments, although they do not seem as hard as those made in rugby, in which, in which, in which, in which, in which, in which, in which, in which, in which, in whichTo perform their tests, several weeks spend in the other hemisphere of the planet.All to be able to succeed in the most prestigious competitions.Now, in LaLiga, it would be about doing it to finish the championship.

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