Cremonese manager embraces Jamie Vardy’s unique dietary routines
Cremonese manager Davide Nicola has made it clear he is more than willing to accommodate Jamie Vardy’s unorthodox eating habits, insisting that the forward’s personal routines are an integral part of what keeps him performing at elite level, reports BritPanorama.
Nicola has overhauled the club’s catering approach specifically to allow players to follow individualized diets—a shift that has delighted Vardy, known for starting his days with cheese-and-ham omelettes and a side of baked beans during his tenure at Leicester City.
Rather than asking the 38-year-old to conform to Italian norms, Nicola has encouraged the squad to embrace tailored menus, abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach common at many training grounds. This policy appears to be paying dividends: Vardy struck twice in Cremonese’s 3–1 victory over Bologna on Monday evening, taking his season tally to four and propelling the newly promoted club up to 11th in Serie A.
It marked Vardy’s fourth goal in five weeks and ended a three-match losing streak, reinforcing his status as a central figure in Cremonese’s survival bid. Nicola views the veteran striker’s dietary quirks not as a hurdle but as a reflection of the habits underpinning a career spanning over a decade at the top of English football. “We now have individualized breakfasts and lunches,” said Nicola.
“There is no longer a single menu for everyone. Cultures are different, needs are different, and so are allergies. Each player has their own personal menu; there’s not even a need to monitor these things because they’re part of the players’ lifestyle,” he added.
The coach has been equally effusive about Vardy’s professionalism since arriving from Leicester in the summer, praising his output and mentality. “Jamie is a point of reference for us,” Nicola remarked, elaborating that great champions are often simple people who know what is expected of them and contribute positively to the team.
Nicola noted, “A champion differs from an ordinary player not only because he has immense qualities on the pitch, but also because he has the spirit and awareness of what he represents.” He highlighted Vardy’s reliability in both training and competitions, asserting that “a true champion never gets his attitude wrong.”
Vardy’s longevity continues to surprise observers. With 145 Premier League goals, over 300 appearances for Leicester, and 26 caps for England, his transition into Italian football has been smooth. His well-documented pre-match rituals—including double espressos, energy drinks, and his signature breakfast—remain intact with age.
Notably, some of these habits have begun to influence the squad, as Red Bull cans were spotted on the bench during his debut. Nicola commended how the Cremonese dressing room has embraced its new talisman: “A player like him must be understood in his habits and integrated in the best way. The Cremonese group welcomed Vardy with great privilege, and he’s proving to be a great man in every aspect.”
In an age where training regimens are scrutinized, Vardy’s success in Italy underscores the growing recognition of personalized approaches in football, highlighting that even in a team sport, individuality can shine through.
