Getting back to normal

Up till now, Lech and other Ekstraklasa team were allowed to train in small groups which was a small step towards normality. Starting Monday, the whole squad was finally reunited and given a green light to return to proper group training sessions.

“Finally, we can all be together. Until now, it was impossible for many different reasons. Everything is getting back to normal and we are very happy. Of course, we are still sticking to all safety measures. At first, it was a challenge, but now we have adjusted. Being able to train with the whole squad is a reason to rejoice,” explained Skrzypczak.

The first training session with the full squad is an important one for Lech’s coaches. Until recently, the players were training individually at home, however, it’s the group exercises that play a key role, especially in the context of team cooperation. “As a coach, I see many advantages of training again in a group. Finally, we have more of a direct contact with the footballers – we see what they look like, what they feel like, what shape they’re in – not only physically, but also mentally. It’s of paramount importance to us,” highlighted Lech’s assistant coach.

The coaching staff will now have more control over the training sessions. Following close observations, they will be able to quickly identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team and adjust the plan accordingly before the season resumes. “We ought to keep a close eye on the team’s progress and deficits, and correct what’s necessary as quickly as possible. I’m not saying the training sessions up till now were poor – we did the best we could of the given circumstances. However, now we are all back in one place which changes a lot,” emphasised Skrzypczak.

In over two weeks, Lech is going to play their first match after the break – the quarterfinals of Totolotek Polish Cup. The team from Poznań will face Stal Mielec. The preparations for the upcoming game have already begun, however, the coaching staff also keeps in mind the matches that will follow.

“We will try to improve all elements of our defence and offence. Up till now, we couldn’t work on those for obvious reasons. The upcoming game has a lot at stake, hence we have to prepare well as a team and practice all the elements we introduced before the break. When it comes to those elements that are still unsatisfactory, our objective is to improve them quickly and effectively,” summarised Lech’s assistant coach.