Julen Lopetegui was reportedly left surprised at his new Wolves players’ fitness levels during the recent trip to Marbella.
The first-team had a 10-day trip there in order to train in warmer weather and get to know the new manager.
Wolves played a couple of games against Empoli and Cadiz, and returned to the UK last Wednesday to prepare for tonight’s game against Gillingham in the Carabao Cup.
The Times have published an interest report today about Lopetegui’s first six weeks in charge.
So far, he has been very impressive in terms of the way he has come across.
He appears to have made a big impression on the players too, with Nathan Collins praising the sessions they’ve been having.
Those sessions are supposedly very intense.
And The Times say Lopetegui was actually left shocked by the fitness levels of the players.
It is a concerning claim. But hopefully it is something Lopetegui has quickly been able to sort out.
Julen Lopetegui must get his players’ fitness levels up, or surviving relegation will be extremely difficult
This is a very interesting claim and one that is a bit concerning.
Having high fitness levels is absolutely paramount to doing well in the Premier League, which is a very intense and demanding competition.
It is vital to get something as basic as this right.
It will be very interesting to see how Wolves fare in terms of their fitness in these first few games under Lopetegui.
Really, the players that haven’t been at the World Cup should be in much better shape than they were previously.