from cup to cup
This season stands apart as football’s calendar was split by the World Cup in Qatar. Clubs split their focus between domestic campaigns and the grand event, leaving players to adapt quickly as the season resumes. Those not selected for the squad faced a rhythm gap after a short pre-season while the World Cup fever continued around Christmas. The challenge is clear: restore match fitness while avoiding burnout in a compressed schedule.
Researchers and practitioners from El Periódico de España and the Prensa Ibérica group weigh in. Luis Casais, a professor and researcher in sport science who collaborates with the Association of Physical Trainers (APF) at the University of Vigo, alongside David Peris, president of the Spanish Federation of Sports Psychology (FEPD), analyze how high level football is navigating this split. They point to a scenario that tests routines, goals, and travel as the World Cup story unfolds across multiple leagues.
time of the strangers
The chronology must be set straight. The season began on August 10 with the European Super Cup, followed two days later by the opening league match. After a November halt to accommodate the World Cup, play resumed in mid-December and continued through the busy Christmas period. A quick turnaround then followed for the second round of cup competition, while the league carried on abroad in parallel. What followed was a fevered sprint: twelve days of matches from December 21 to January 8, all under the shadow of the World Cup break.
The spotlight soon shifted to teams entering the frame: Real Betis, Valencia, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The social media chatter underscored the moment, with supporters marking the cross-border drama as La Copa Mola and tagging major associations. The national federation marked the period as a test of stamina, strategy, and squad depth during a year in which the calendar demanded constant adaptation.
The cross-competition grind for the 2022/2023 season ends with the Champions League final in Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium on June 10. Players must perform on dates dictated by a congested calendar, a reality heightened by the World Cup overhang. Sports psychologist David Peris notes that the challenge lies in regaining peak form quickly after such a demanding event, especially as teams chase important trophies. In his view, the post-World Cup period requires managers to balance recovery with objective performance goals.
In terms of physical preparation, planning proved difficult. The World Cup pause split the year into two macro-cycles: build, compete, rest; essentially a double pre-season followed by a heavy league schedule. Casais suggests that for most players this arrangement offers better balance than a long pre-summer layoff followed by a near year-long grind. The point stands for a majority of the squad and their general readiness for the rest of the season.
individualized study
For squads with many World Cup participants, such as Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla, there are distinct subgroups: players in the pre-season phase, those who were at the World Cup, those finishing qualifying rounds and needing recuperation, and others who returned from earlier rounds with relatively fresh legs. The idea is to fine tune both the physical and mental sides, recognizing that every player’s needs differ based on role, playing time, career trajectory, and age. Casais echoes Peris: personalized plans will be essential during these weeks.
The World Cup footprint adds nuance to assessments of elite players. At times, a star’s workload shifts dramatically, prompting teams to manage wear through targeted loads. PSG’s roster provides a vivid example of how star players rotate through heavy schedules and still must stay in top form for crucial fixtures. Training camps and field sessions mix with gym work as clubs navigate returning players and new tactical demands.
Recent displays from clubs in Europe show the pattern: some stars resume with the main group, others rejoin gradually, and a few stay out longer to rebuild pace. In the social feed from Paris Saint-Germain, for instance, players posted about field sessions while others trained in the gym, illustrating the balancing act of preparation. The same rhythm repeats across other top teams as they re-enter competition with a refreshed but fatigued body of players.
Real Madrid’s return as a Spanish representative in Europe’s big stage highlighted a sharp contrast in recovery rates among players. Some return with high intensity, others with niggling discomfort or fatigue. Casais notes that even a world champion can face stiffness after a concentrated run of matches and travel. The takeaway remains clear: meticulous monitoring and adaptable plans are critical for staying competitive as seasons collide.
performance degradation
On the psychological front, balance becomes intensely personal. The World Cup has a winner and a loser, and most players carry the emotional fallout of that result. The federation president stresses that both body and mind require a careful rhythm; too much pressure can derail a player’s performance, while a well-managed recovery can set the stage for growth as the season proceeds. The forecast is that the most rested players may be slightly under their peak, yet positioned to advance as the campaign unfolds.
With winter transfers looming, some players may switch teams right after the World Cup, marking the climax of a season shaped by constant movement. The overall message is that personal and physical preparation must be woven into team life, as football becomes increasingly hectic. The ball moves quickly from one stage to the next, and squads must stay sharp for the next test on domestic and continental floors.
The overall picture remains that teams must balance talent, timing, and temperament. While the World Cup added a twist, it also offered insights into how clubs can sustain performance across a demanding year. The message for players and staff is simple: readiness, resilience, and a clear plan are essential when the rhythm of the season shifts under a global event.