25 Feb Inside Training with Belgian Champions, Club Brugge
Success in isn’t just about talent—it’s about preparation, and making the right decisions at the right time. For Club Brugge and their Physical Performance Coach Eddie Rob, data plays a key role in shaping training sessions. We spoke to Rob for some insights into how the reigning Belgian Champions use our technology to inform decisions, communicate with each other, and ensure players train at the right intensity, recover effectively, and hit peak performance when it matters most.
Balancing Internal & External Load
Understanding both internal responses and external outputs is key to managing player performance. By combining STATSports heart rate monitors with GPS pods, Club Brugge gains a complete picture of player exertion, ensuring training loads are carefully managed to support performance gains while minimising injury risk.
A dual-measurement approach allows Rob and his staff to make smarter, data-backed decisions about individual workloads, helping players train efficiently and effectively.
Real-Time Data for Adaptive Training
Live data access during training allows Club Brugge’s coaches to make immediate adjustments, ensuring players work at the right intensity. By tracking speed, distance, and accelerations in real time, the performance team can identify underloaded or fatigued players and modify sessions accordingly to balance workload and reduce injury risk.
“The live feed enables us to adjust the load during training and ensure the planned workload is met. If a player hasn’t hit their targets, we add supplements. If they’ve exceeded the required load, we can stop them—especially before matchday.”
This real-time oversight helps fine-tune training on the spot, allowing coaches to adjust drills or intensities to keep players performing at their best.
Drill-Specific Analysis
To ensure players meet position-specific demands, Club Brugge utilises STATSports’ drill-cutting database. This feature enables precise data tracking within individual drills, allowing performance staff to compare workload, movement patterns, and intensity levels across players in the same position.
Such a granular level of analysis helps refine training, ensuring each player is meeting the exact demands of their role on matchday.
“Between different drills the players will accumulate distances that aren’t a part of the actual training. STATSports allows us to cut what is and isn’t within a specific drill. After a session we can then build a drill database, where we know exactly what a particular drill requires. This allows us to compare the players of the same position who have a similar role in a specific drill”
Monitoring Accelerations & Decelerations
Accelerations and decelerations are critical indicators of fatigue and injury risk. By monitoring these in real time, Club Brugge can detect early signs of physical decline and make immediate interventions to adjust workloads or provide recovery strategies.
This allows for more precise load management, helping players stay at peak condition while reducing unnecessary stress on the body.
“We can use the data to see whether some players are having trouble reaching a certain level of intensity. For example, we notice that it is frequent that a player who is overworked, tired or not feeling themselves, cannot decelerate or accelerate with the same intensity. So, with the live data feed I can intervene with them, the coach or doctor to provide instant feedback”
Enhancing Communication Through Data Transparency
“The figures are there, and the figures don’t lie.”
Having accurate, objective data strengthens communication between coaches and players, reinforcing trust and buy-in. When adjustments need to be made, players can see the numbers behind the decision, leading to greater understanding and engagement with training plans.
“Accurate live data allows us to show the player, ‘This is what we’re expecting and this is where you are at right now’ So they understand a little better why we do something extra.”
Consistency Between Data & Video Analysis
STATSports provides unmatched accuracy, reducing discrepancies between GPS and video analysis. With confidence in the data, Club Brugge’s performance staff can assess and adjust with precision, without second-guessing the numbers.
A Data-Informed Approach to Success
By embracing data-informed decision-making, Club Brugge maximises individual development while optimising team performance. Their collaborative approach, powered by STATSports technology, ensures they remain at the top of Belgian football.
Click here to watch the full video with Eddie Rob
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