Head of Fitness Dani Pastor says he has been impressed with the initial assessment of the senior side following a return to full training at Ciudad Deportiva Antonio Asensio.
Having been limited to home workouts by video call for almost two months as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the coach believes the squad are on the right track to a potential return to competitive football.
"The assessment of this first week of training has been very positive,” he told Play Red. “We already knew that the players were in good condition physically because they were working well from home. They’re very responsible and methodical. The results we’ve had regarding their physical state has left us very calm about the situation.
“It’s true the first few days can demand a lot. We’ve tried to give the side an adaptation period to start with and we’ve been increasing the intensity and workload throughout the week. We’ve had two months spent at home, and finally, the players have been able to make game actions which were impossible to do at home.”
While it is clear to see our first-team stars are happy to be back out on the pitch, Pastor believes it is not just the players who are grateful to get back to the normality in Son Bibiloni.
“I’ve seen a lot of desire on the part of the staff to return to training on the field,” he continued. “It’s clear that in this first phase of individual training, it’s not the same feeling as when you start a pre-season. We have to respect the safety distance and there can be no contact or hugging, but at least we can see each other again, interact, make jokes and have that feeling that everything is rolling once again. I wanted to suffer on the pitch again.”
Following protocol outlined by La Liga and Consejo Superior de Deportes, Pastor says the squad and management staff have quickly adapted to regulations in place.
“It’s very strict and there are many points which we have to follow, but we understand that they’re necessary things,” he continued. “I think we have all become very aware of following the established hygiene and safety standards. They’re very strict rules but the desire to train on the pitch makes up everything.”
