21 Jun 2017 16:38:54
Hi Eds,

A question about players who are devoted to Islam, especially in light of Mo Salah joining us too.

I think our first Muslim player was Titi Camara from memory, and we've had a few down the years, most recently Kolo Toure and in our current team Emre Can, Sadio Mane and now Mo Salah.

What is the impact of Ramadan on the performance of Muslim players? Given how scientific our game has now become, is there actually a drop off in performance, however marginal, in performance during that month?

I know that in the next couple of years, Ramadan overlaps with the end of the season, so I felt this was an interesting question given our increasing contingent.

I'm not so 'worried' about not eating, but not being able to take liquids during the day, particularly in May/ June as the temperature rises, must have an effect on performance?

How have Liverpool's Muslim players coped in the past?

Thought this would be a nice diversion from the usual transfer merry-go-round!

Thanks

Z.

{Ed001's Note - it is impossible to give an answer as they are individuals. For starters, some are given dispensation to eat and drink during the day.}

1.) 21 Jun 2017
21 Jun 2017 17:17:26
As a muslim, I've also thought about it. Because fasting in the summer is very difficult. And once you add playing and training it becomes all the more difficult. But as ed001 has said it actually depends on an individual, just like in cricket Hashim Amla scored a think a triple century while fasting. May be some of the athletes don't fast during Ramadan because it becomes almost impossible for them ( I may be wrong) .

2.) 21 Jun 2017
21 Jun 2017 17:42:22
I played professional rugby in France for more than a few years. We had a few Muslim players in my teams and as the ed 01 suggested they were given "dispensation". The more devout then added on days at the end of Ramadan to make up for the days that they ate and drank during that period, specifically for match days only. The coaches were sympathetic to the players during the week for training.

3.) 21 Jun 2017
21 Jun 2017 17:56:01
Dispensation makes sense. Sensible appraoch.

4.) 21 Jun 2017
21 Jun 2017 21:13:44
I played in the youth bundesliga and we had a few muslim players. It all depended on how strict their parents were. Some had this dispensation as stated and others went through with it.

I remember beeing on our Summer-Training thing where we had practice all day and two or three guys didn't drink at all.