Speaking exclusively to TheFA.com for England TV, Carminati tells of his experience in the role so far, and how an Italian came to be the England fitness coach:

"I had my first experience with the English national team two years ago in Japan and Korea for the World Cup," he explained.

"Eriksson I met for the first time with Lazio five years ago and I think that is the reason why he called me - I am very proud to be here with the team."

So what kind of a man is Sven to work with?

"I think Sven is a kind man - very linear [straight].

"He likes to have staff who speak with simplicity, with a very very open mind about everything.

"He likes the fact I give him a lot of information about the players - every day we measure the profile of how the heart of each player works during the session.

"Then we can see how the recovery is - quicker or slower - so at the end we have a good idea about the fitness profile of each player."

Did you work the players hard when you first came together?

"On the second day in Sardinia we did a test, to find the aerobic situation of each player.

"Based on the test we tried to do a plan for each player to give him more power for the European Championships.

"The first week in Sardinia and the first three of four days in Manchester were very hard because we ran a lot, more than two years ago, but I think in modern football you need to be fit.

"When I have spoken to the players they have said they became stronger and stronger day by day."

The rest periods are important too though aren't they?

"I think the best medicine was to have a week off.

"You can clear up you're mind and your body, and you can restart being very positive about the job and the situation.

"That was a very important thing that Sven and the coaches did with the players before the European Championships."

Are there any players who are particularly interested in the methods used?

"The Neville brothers! They ask me a lot about the reasons. Some of the others too, but the Neville brothers are the most focussed on it."


18 June 2004
Watch the Ivan Carminati video