Most footballers would tell you they dread the ‘beep test’ in pre-season and there was a similar fitness drill planned that looked a real challenge in the sweltering conditions.
The basic premise was to run different distances to staggered markers and back, as the group were timed on an individual basis. Discipline was required for each player to pace themselves and, in truth, the exercise showed they had been working on their fitness over the course of the summer.
There was a pause to regain normal heart-rate and prepare for the next phase of training, a match on a condensed pitch, with shortened dimensions, in order to pressurise passing, and keep things crisp. This was a prelude to a full 11-a-side match and it is probably fair to say players at any level always appreciate this treat at the end of a session.
The intensity from the very first whistle was noticeable, Rasmus Hojlund competing physically in an aerial battle in the opening seconds. Joshua Zirkzee quickly levelled an Obi effort but there was much more going on than the goals, as it all unfolded.
For instance, the continued support for the younger players. Dalot, and others, were keen to praise Bendito Mantato for his endeavours. Lacey was trusted with possession in tight spaces, while Hojlund took time to put an arm around Obi and have a quiet chat.
There was one moment when Bruno was narrowly unable to reach a searching pass out from the back by Matthijs de Ligt. “You’ll be getting that next week,” was the encouragement from the sidelines, as his fitness will soon be back to its brilliant peak.
While the match played out, there were separate finishing drills being held on the adjacent pitch. First up were Casemiro and Zirkzee, with the Brazil midfielder supplying the bullets for the Dutchman to display his shooting prowess. Hojlund did likewise, being set up by Manuel Ugarte, and regularly found the net in a clear plan to sharpen the strikers up, when faced with the whites of the goalkeeper’s eyes.
