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PeRfoRmAnce
Adriano Correia: musculature work on hip separators within a routine designed to maintain the balance of the musculature of the pelvic ring (season 2010-2011).
FRANCESC COS
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sTRenGTH AnD conDiTioninG coAcH foR mAncHesTeR ciTY fooTBALL cLUB
With a doctorate in Sports Sciences from INEFC-UB, and graduated in Physiotherapy, Francesc Cos is currently working at Manchester City FC. He is a world reference in physical performance, strength training, and readaptation after lesions.
What is your job at Manchester City? i am their strength and conditioning coach, and this is based on applying stimulus to improve the performance of the player, at the same time as personalizing strategies which minimise the risk of lesions.
You had already worked with Pep Guardiola in Barça. Are working methods dif-
ferent here? A trainer is the leader; the person who creates the philosophy, style of play, and dynamics, of a club and its working groups. This shapes the training and strategies employed to maximise athletes. A high level of rigour, constant innovation, obsession for detail, and intelligence are characteristics which have made him a world reference.
You have been in FC Barcelona, New York City and now in Manchester City. What is it like to work with high-level sportspeo-
ple? High level competition requires a lot of dedication, with very full timetables, and because of the necessity to personalise all of the areas which interact with the player. individualisation, specificness and holistic treatment are essential. it is also necessary to empathise with the player and other colleagues, and work in a team.
What is Blood Flow Restriction Training?
A special pressurised sleeve is applied to an extremity, restricting blood flow. This is BfR, or Blood flow Restriction, without causing occlusion, so as to favour the release of hormones and produce anabolic processes. it enables the creation of muscle and strength. it is an excellent tool which recovers muscular hypertrophy and strength and helps in the first phases of recuperation after a lesion or with joints which cannot works at high intensity.
Why is strength work important in reha-
bilitation? it is essential, because all muscular tension is a manifestation of strength, and allows us to move. An adequate muscle tone helps to protect and preserve the health of joints.
How do you connect your knowledge of physical activity and sport science to
your job? The training i received at inefc has been fundamental in the development of my career.
Do you have any time left for research?
fortunately, yes. i have been working with different research groups for years, looking at the minimisation of the risk of lesion in sports. Research allows me to interact with the best specialists from different places, something necessary and enriching.
Do you miss teaching at INEFC? Yes. education is one of my passions and inefc is a second home for me. i like to think that my accumulated experience will be valuable for students.
What would you say to future students of CAFE who want to work in performance?
inefc is a reference in many areas. in the theme of performance, the inefc teaching staff are a world reference. i am still learning from them. They are a beacon for professionals and institutions from around the world. The Degree in cAfe is the best training for anybody who likes sport and movement.
