‘Very intense’: Sessegnon says Tottenham have a ‘killer’ on the Spurs training ground

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Ryan Sessegnon has told The Sun that Tottenham fitness coach Gian Piero Ventrone is a “killer” when training at Hotspur Way – but paid tribute to ‘The Marine’ for helping become more robust to deal with injury and aid recovery.

Sessegnon, 22, has been used as a rotational option with Ivan Perisic on the left flank so far. The England Under-21 international has featured in six of Tottenham’s nine league and cup fixtures – starting four times. He has even scored.

The left-back is currently in Italy with England’s Under-21 side as they prepare to face the Italians in a friendly. Their fixtures coincide with the senior side’s UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Germany during this break.

Sessegnon is in good form and becoming more and more suited to Antonio Conte’s style of play. But it was not long ago that he continuously kept breaking down due to injury. He thinks Ventrone has helped him reduce his injuries.

“Obviously, [Ventrone] is very good. But he’s a killer, seriously. Very intense. The more physical players, where he knows he can push you, he will be on you,” Sessegnon said. “My work in the off-season was to make my body more robust.

“My body can handle it a bit more when I’m fatigued now. That was mainly the reason I went away, to build that core strength around the body. From a fitness point of view, I am where I want to be.”

Sessegnon says Tottenham coach Ventrone is a killer

The majority of the Tottenham squad will certainly agree with Sessegnon. Out in South Korea, ‘The Marine’ was seen putting the Spurs players through their paces – making them do a gruelling pitch-long run, over and over again.

In front of 6,000 fans, it saw Son Heung-min collapse and England skipper Harry Kane throwing up. But it must be said, Kane looks fitter than he ever has. With Spurs in Europe, fitness and the ability to recover are absolutely crucial.

While the tactical masterclass that is Conte is guiding Spurs towards a potential title race, Ventrone could be his secret weapon. Improving players’ fitness, and making them less prone to injury gives Spurs a very real chance.