The UEFA injury study provides clubs with reliable knowledge to classify and classify their own squads in the context of comparable groups. The head of the Football Research Group (FRG) and president of the assembly (ECIS), Professor Markus Walden, recently visited the BayArena days to make a first stop at the chosen venue in Leverkusen and meet with his contacts. In an interview with bayer04. de, the orthopedic surgeon, who has attended various Swedish national groups over the years, spoke about the importance of the high-level assembly, the current themes of the study and Bayer 04 as the future organizer of the first foreign event.
Markus Walden, what does UEFA think about injuries at elite clubs?
Markus Walden: “The long-term study was announced by UEFA in 2001 and has been funded through the agreement ever since. Its objective is to reinforce the protection of players in their competitions and contribute to a greater understanding of injuries. As a guilty football study group, we are founded in Sweden. So far, the study has been carried out under the direction of renowned injury expert and vice-president of the UEFA medical committee, Professor Jan Ekstrand. I now have the honor of succeeding him in this position.
Who, exactly, can take part in your study and the Leverkusen congress?
Walden: “All doctors and trainers from the most sensible organisations in the organisational phase of the UEFA Champions League, as well as other chosen organisations, including Bayer 04, are welcome to participate. Since last season, we have also included the national organisations of the men’s and women’s European Championships and the men’s Nations League.
What exactly will the congress in Leverkusen be about next year?
Walden: “The syllabus provides an assessment and studies of the hazards and injury cases from which clubs ultimately take advantage. This is achieved by expanding the existing knowledge base in both one and both years with knowledge presented through the most productive clubs. It makes it possible to recognize all trends. The study also creates the opportunity for mutual exchange and comparison of injury types, strategies and rehabilitation. Clubs can be informed of each other. It’s a mutual exchange.
What’s new at this year’s congress in Leverkusen?
Walden: “In 2024, the injury assessment assembly of elite men’s and women’s clubs will be combined for the first time. Until now the studies have been carried out separately. Women’s football has grown enormously in recent years. Today , big clubs such as Bayer 04 or Bayern Munich are guilty of a men’s and women’s professional team. The groups also have the same medical conditions. It makes sense to mix the two studies.
Why is Bayer 04 the organizer of the congress?
Walden: “The position changes every year. In recent years, the match has been played at prestigious venues such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Now, for the first time, Leverkusen is also taking centre stage. Bayer 04 is a very professional and sensible club with exceptional conditions. I am sure that he will be a worthy host and that the meeting will be of high quality.
The UEFA Elite Club Injury Study Meeting will take place at the BayArena on 4 and 5 June 2024.
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