Arno Philips joins coaching staff
03.02.2009
The impressive fitness levels of Guus Hiddink's teams at the 2002 World Cup and the 2008 European Championships were in no small part down to Arno Philips. And now the Royal Blues are set to benefit from his expertise. Philips will make his training ground debut for the club today (Tuesday).
The Dutch fitness coach has joined the Schalke coaching staff on a deal that will initially run until the end of the season. Working on a fee basis, Philips will be in Gelsenkirchen up to four times a week to join Dr Christos Papadopoulos, the head of the club's rehab and fitness department, and fitness coach Rouven Schirp in developing the players' strength, speed and stamina. He thus plugs the gap left by the departure of Elliott Paes Alves.
Philips made a name for himself on the international stage when he worked alongside head coach Guus Hiddink for South Korea at the 2002 World Cup and Russia at Euro 2008. Both teams caused by surprise by progressing to the semi-finals of the respective tournaments. Philips will continue to work for the Russian national side but will arrange his schedule to allow him to work for both employers.
