Inter Milan's High-Tech Revelations: 36-Year-Old Veteran Defies Athletic Norms

At Inter Milan, the culture of intense competition and relentless training has reached new heights with the introduction of cutting-edge technology aimed at optimizing player performance and endurance. The latest innovation, the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) test, has uncovered some surprising insights, especially regarding veteran player Henrikh Mkhitaryan. As the summer heat pushes Inter’s training sessions into the night, the coaching staff, led by Simone Inzaghi, works tirelessly to analyze the data provided by this new technology.

The RPE Test: A New Era of Monitoring

The RPE test, originally used in endurance sports like tennis and sailing, measures a player's perceived exertion on a scale of 1 to 10. This metric helps monitor how hard players feel they are working and their ability to tolerate fatigue. A lower score indicates greater resilience and suitability for enduring intense and frequent matches, making the player a reliable candidate for fewer rotations. Conversely, a higher score suggests the need for more rest to avoid potential injuries or dips in performance.

While Gazzetta dello Sport did not disclose individual scores, it was noted that players like Joaquín Correa and Mehdi Taremi had higher scores, indicating higher sensitivity to fatigue. The standout performer, however, was Henrikh Mkhitaryan, whose low RPE score challenges the conventional wisdom about age and athletic performance.

Mkhitaryan: The Endurance Anomaly

Mkhitaryan’s impressive RPE score defies expectations. Known for his durability, Taremi's high endurance was expected, given his extensive playtime under a coach who rarely rotates players. Correa's result was more surprising, considering his history of muscle fatigue even after short playing periods. Yet, it was Mkhitaryan, a 36-year-old midfielder, who emerged as the most resilient, outperforming many younger teammates.

Last season, Mkhitaryan, along with Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian, was dubbed one of Inter’s "workhorses." Playing 3,503 minutes across all competitions, he outlasted younger stars like Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martínez. This heavy reliance on Mkhitaryan sparked criticism from fans concerned about overworking an older player, whose recovery might be slower than his younger counterparts. However, Inter's fitness coaches, Raphaël Rippert and Giuseppe Spicciarello, clarified that the coaching staff prioritizes tangible data and on-field performance over age. Mkhitaryan’s consistently excellent physical condition justified his frequent use.

The New Management Approach

In preparation for the demanding 2024-25 season, Inzaghi emphasized the need for a different management strategy. With a packed schedule including the European Championship, Copa América, the expanded Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup, Inter could play up to 69 matches. Inzaghi outlined four key strategies for managing the team:

1. Protecting Player Health: Implementing rotation and substitutions to reduce the load on key players.
2. Focusing on Lesser-Used Players: Investing more effort in developing substitutes and youth team members.
3. Demanding Greater Enthusiasm and Focus: Enforcing stricter discipline, especially regarding diet and lifestyle.
4. Utilizing Advanced Monitoring and Recovery Techniques: Incorporating technologies like the RPE test.

Under these conditions, Mkhitaryan has become a prime example of resilience and dedication. He has adopted a "24/7" work ethic, often sleeping at the training facility to maximize his preparation. His superior performance in the RPE test, combined with his early retirement from international duty (allowing him to rest during FIFA breaks), positions him as a key player despite his age. Even at 36, Mkhitaryan is likely to remain one of Inter’s most dependable players.

The Challenge for Newcomers

The competition within the team has intensified with the arrival of new players like Piotr Zieliński. The Polish national team’s number 10, Zieliński has rarely been a substitute in his career. However, he now faces the formidable task of competing against Mkhitaryan for a starting spot. Given Mkhitaryan’s exceptional endurance and work ethic, securing a place in the starting lineup will be a significant challenge for any newcomer.

A Night in the Life of Inter’s Workaholics

Inter’s adjustment to evening training sessions due to the summer heat has not dampened the players' spirits. Instead, it has created an environment where hard work and dedication thrive. The coaching staff’s midnight analysis sessions reflect a commitment to leveraging every available resource to enhance team performance. The RPE test, as a part of this strategy, provides crucial insights into each player's physical capabilities and endurance.

In conclusion, the implementation of the RPE test at Inter Milan has revealed unexpected results, particularly highlighting Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s extraordinary endurance. As the club navigates a challenging season, these insights will be instrumental in managing player health and performance. Mkhitaryan’s role as a resilient workhorse underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern football, proving that age is just a number when it comes to athletic prowess.