Sydney FC’s training intensified today with coach Frank Farina putting the squad through a sharp double session at the Stadio Comunale Picchi in Jesolo on the eve of the clash with Padova at Stadio Euganeo.
Sydney FC-s training intensified today with coach Frank Farina putting the squad through a sharp double session at the Stadio Comunale Picchi in Jesolo on the eve of the clash with Padova at Stadio Euganeo.
Despite the fact the team was just 24 hours from what shapes as the sternest test of the six-match tour there was no respite for the squad as they training in the morning and then late afternoon, missing the intense midday sun that beats down on this Adriatic Sea town.
There was a slight reprieve for the 11 players who will start the match against Padova as the coaching and conditioning staff juggle the needs of pre season training with the demands of Wednesday night-s match.
“There is a little bit of juggling with workloads for the players starting the game but we have to remember the primary focus of the trip is to get everyone ready to go for the start of the A-League and we have to work hard through this tour to achieve that,” said Coach Frank Farina.
“I-ve been impressed with the way the players have gone about their work and with the final session out of the way, we can now look forward to what will be a special occasion.”
Socceroo midfielder Brett Emerton has played his share of big games throughout a glittering career for club and country but the Sky Blues star admitted he was looking forward to being part of the historic clash in Padova.
“It is special for the club and a great opportunity for the boys as well to play against good opposition in front of what I hear is going to be a good sized crowd,” Emerton said.
“It-s been a fantastic few days in the camp and the boys are looking strong and everyone-s looking forward to getting the first match of many underway and put in a good performance.
“It-s been a really great camp so far. It-s been great to come here and see how the people have reacted to Del Piero, the superstar that he is in his own country. We-re enjoying being part of it and getting the matches underway tomorrow.
“I-ve seen a great improvement in the way we are playing in the first few weeks. The understanding between the players is definitely starting to develop and we-ve still got plenty of time to improve before the start of the season so I think we-re doing very well and it-s going to make it exciting for the team and for the club.”
The Sydney FC v Padova match kicks off at 8.45pm on Wednesday night (4.45am Thursday morning in Sydney).
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