Is Coaches' Perceived Team Performance Associated with Training Load and Fatigue in Spanish Semi-Professional Soccer?

Objectives: This study investigated the influence of coaches' perceived team performance on training load and fatigue across the weekly microcycle in semi-professional soccer players. Methods: Twenty-four players were monitored over 183 training sessions during a 34-week competitive period in the Spanish fourth-tier league. External load was assessed using 10 Hz GPS devices, while internal-load-related, mental-load-related variables, and wellness were measured using validated self-report questionnaires. Coaches' evaluations of team performance following matches were also included as a key variable. Results: No statistically significant associations were detected between coach-perceived performance and any external load variable after adjustment for multiple testing. Also, no significant associations were observed between perceived performance and internal or mental load. No significant associations were detected for wellness variables. However, weekly comparisons showed that microcycles following good perceived performance involved lower accumulated external load than those following medium or poor performance. No statistically significant differences were detected between conditions for internal-load-related, mental-load-related variables, or wellness. Conclusions: In this single semi-professional male team, lower accumulated external load was observed in microcycles following good perceived performance, whereas no corresponding differences were detected in internal load, mental load, or wellness. These preliminary associations require confirmation in multi-team designs.