Chapter 31

At the coach's whistle, Leicester City players came to the training ground one after another and began recovery training.

Everyone jogged around the training ground and stopped from time to time to do flexion and extension exercises.

After that, the striker ran to a special soft mat and did footwork and dodge training to maintain leg flexibility.

After the high-intensity game, the main purpose of the players' recovery training is not to pursue high-intensity loads.

Instead, they maintain the normal work and rest routine of the body, and also maintain the feeling and control of the ball through some technical training.

Li Lei joined his teammates' passing and receiving training at this time. The rhythm was not fast, but he still tried his best to control the feeling and accuracy of the ball, and also paid attention to cooperation with his teammates.

This helped him maintain control of the ball and made him more tacit in the real game.

The team doctor also came to the sidelines, prepared ice packs and towels, and gave the players simple physical therapy.

Everyone's training intensity was not high, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy.

After everyone finished training, they would also do moderate stretching exercises, which could relax the muscles and help recovery.

In terms of diet, the coach and nutritionist would provide some high-protein foods.

After the morning training, Li Lei found head coach Pearson and said,"Boss, I want to discuss my personal training plan with you."

Pearson looked at the kid in front of him and said,"Li, go ahead."

After receiving the reply, Li Lei began to talk about his feelings and plans for the last three games.

"After the last game, I felt that my physical confrontation ability was still lacking, especially the upper body strength was not enough."

"So I'm wondering if I need to do some strength training, like weightlifting or something."

Pearson pondered for a moment and said,"You have a point."

"As a striker, having enough upper body strength will allow you to better control the ball and resist the opponent's entanglement"

"However, the increase in strength will inevitably lead to a loss in body flexibility, which requires you to make a trade-off."Pearson then reminded

"Yes, I think so too. If the amount of strength training is moderate, it should not affect other speed and endurance training."

"Please rest assured that I will make trade-offs in these aspects."

Seeing Li Lei's firm attitude, Pearson agreed to Li Lei's request and said,"Okay, I agree with your idea."

"Starting next week, you can add some targeted strength training content to your original training plan."

"Start with 2-3 times a week, depending on your body's adaptability. I'll discuss the specific schedule with strength coach Hunter."

"By the way, our team's training base is equipped with a professional gym, and Hunter, a strength training expert, is in charge."

""Ah! Really? I don't know much about this, thank you very much, coach!" Li Lei said gratefully.

Seeing Li Lei's surprised expression, Pearson smiled and said,"It's okay, you just came here, this is normal"

"Go to the gym tomorrow to find Hunter and tell him I've approved your plan to strengthen your strength training."

"OK, coach, I'll go find Hunter tomorrow morning."

"Very good, he is an expert in this area, and you must ask him if you have any questions."

After the training the next day, Li Lei reported to the team's gym.

Pushing open the door of the gym, he saw that the team's new guard Drat had already started training in the weightlifting area.

Drat was holding heavy dumbbells and performing squats expressionlessly.

His sturdy muscle lines swelled with ups and downs, and he was full of explosive power.

This is undoubtedly the physical fitness that a guard who has undergone professional strength training should have.

Li Lei did not go up to talk directly, but warmed up on the side and started his own strength training program.

He observed Drat's movements and techniques from time to time, and also got some inspiration from them.

After the training, Drat took the initiative to walk towards Li Lei, smiled and stretched out his right hand and said:"Hello, Li Lei, right? I am Drat"

"It seems that we will become regular customers of the gym."

Li Lei also shook hands with him politely and said:"Hello, Drat, nice to meet you"

"I heard that you played for Manchester United before. The training atmosphere there must be very professional.?"

"Yes, training at Manchester United has helped me a lot. Not only are there first-class facilities, but more importantly, the training intensity and requirements are very high."

"Manchester United has so many big stars, the atmosphere in the locker room must be very interesting. What are they like in private? Is it difficult to get along with them?"Li Lei asked gossipingly.

Stars are also ordinary people. Some are cold on the outside but warm on the inside, while others are very knowledgeable."

"But there are also some small tempers that need to be tolerated

"Um...Very few people are a bit arrogant and think they are great."

"But the veteran players and the head coach will make timely adjustments, so they can work together happily."

"But there are some people you can’t mess with. As a player, you have to blend in. Otherwise, it’s hard to achieve results in those big clubs."

Drat told Li Lei about his experience with an expression of a veteran.

Just as Li Lei and Drat were chatting enthusiastically, strength coach Hunter walked into the gym.

""Hey guys, are you having a good chat?" Hunter said with a smile.

A burly man with a height of nearly 190cm and a weight of nearly 100kg appeared at the door. He had short blond hair, strong features, thick eyebrows and big eyes, and a square face, giving people a sense of firmness and reliability. Through his open training suit, you can see that he has thick and developed chest and arm muscles, and his biceps and triceps are clearly defined.

"Ah, hello, Coach Hunter! We were just talking about each other's training experiences."Li Lei replied with some surprise

"I'm glad you have this enthusiasm. I just discussed with Coach Pearson, let's develop your strength training plan."Hunter said to Li Lei

"Okay, coach, I'll leave it to you!" Li Lei said

"Drat, your training plan is perfect, just stick to it." Hunter said to Drat

"No problem, Mr. Coach."

After replying, Drat continued his training silently without interrupting the communication between Li Lei and his coach.

Li Lei started the training plan designed by the strength coach. The extreme load of weightlifting made his arms burn with pain, and his muscles seemed to be torn.

But he gritted his teeth and completed one movement after another.

"Five more!" Coach Hunter's voice urged him.

Li Lei tried his best and finally completed the last repetition and put the dumbbell back on the rack.

Li Lei was sweating and panting, his hands hanging weakly on both sides of his body.

However, after a short rest, there were more moves waiting for him to challenge.