It really is a remarkable job that they're doing at Leicester, keeping their players fit over the course of a season. We can barely last a match without someone being injured.
So, this is a theory of mine and my own opinion, but for some time now, I feel that we have had players who are... Less than robust mentally? Yes, there are tears, pulls and other types of injuries that you can't legislate for, but as most will know from playing sport at any level, there are players that could have played, but (for want of a better phrase) have wussed out at the slightest opportunity to do so. I personally think that we've had a few of those over the years that have caused this perception (*cough* Harry Kewell...). We're not alone in this either I hasten to add, as other sides have more well documented issues as well.
On the other hand, the modern-day footballer is a different breed than in previous years as well and I think upbringing is a lot to do with it, as (bear me out on this - like I said, it's an opinion and one that I can backup as I coach kids rugby and have done football as well over the years) kids are treated a whole lot more differently than they used to be. And before anyone says anything, in the vast amount of cases, this is a good thing of course. My prime example is physical fitness. I used to climb trees, cycle everywhere, play every sport going. It's only now (46) that I'm starting to feel my body saying enough is enough. I have a bloody good immune system, and decent muscle structure as I never went to a gym, but done a different (and I would argue better) level of exercise. Coupled with the fact that I was free to do whatever I wanted sport-wise without being told that I was doing too much. The coaches I had in my youth were harder (great people I hasten to add - not utter RSM's... although I did actually have an ex RSM as one of them, but I digress!) and as a result, I strongly feel I was more robust as a result. I see kids nowadays being told that you can't do this, or you can't do that, as they're complaining about a bruise!
I know there will now be the inevitable "You're an old git" and "Times have changed" arguments back, but that's simply how I see it. Lack of consistency over the years has cost us dearly with players dropping out and I am absolutely convinced that in quite a few cases, not only has the player bottled it with an injury, they've also not been able to handle the pressure and taken the easy way out. It happens at all levels and it would be very wrong to assume that it's never happened here.
I made a point about hating the phrase "Lesser side" in another thread. I've always maintained that there is no such thing (Pulis and Allardyce sides aside of course) but even they are made up of players that you can depend on as they are mentally as well as physically strong. This is what makes Leicester's triumph last year so refreshing for me, as they saw it through. They had players that were desperate to play in as many games as they could.
Like I said, all my own opinion, although I'm pretty sure that there will be others thinking the same.
