Marbella Diaries | Day four

13th July 2024

Gary O’Neil’s squad saw two different sides to pre-season on the Friday of their warm weather camp in Marbella.

The morning training session was the toughest yet, with the highest temperatures of the week coming during a session of full-sided matches and extra running, putting the players truly to the test.

As a show of solidarity however, O’Neil joined his group for the running drills, helping his players along the line.

Then, later in the day the group were able to enjoy the sun from the pool, as the coaching staff put on a volleyball competition for the whole squad, which proved an enjoyable activity and a form of team bonding.

#Summer2024

Word from the camp

Mario Lemina and his colleagues were pushed to the limit during training on Friday and he knows it’s essential preparation before another big Premier League season.

Lemina said: “It’s been really good. Really good weather and I’m having an enjoyable time. Let’s work, and work, and work. It’s hard because it’s so hot, but we’re enjoying it together, we’re struggling together, and that’s the main thing.

“After this, we’re not going to be scared to go back to the UK because the weather’s not the same. We’ll just push, push, push to get our fitness back and get back to where we belong. Most of us returned in good shape, but when you’re away for a month you still need to get some feelings, add some muscles you lost during the summer. It’s a good time to get back to fitness."

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