Sydney FC back in training after Venice trip

Sydney FC have returned to the training pitch in Jesolo following a day off in Venice, as the Sky Blues pre-season training program continues in Italy.

Sydney FC have returned to the training pitch in Jesolo following a day off in Venice, as the Sky Blues pre-season training program continues in Italy.

Following back-to-back matches against Padova and Udinese Prima Vera, the squad relaxed yesterday to recharge their batteries for a difficult five-day period that will see them complete five field sessions, a gym session and then take on Vicenza and A.S. Cittadela Prima Vera sides in two matches.

The Sky Blues did get some respite from the heat today as Jesolo was spared the heatwave conditions the players have had to train in, settling for a mild 28 degrees for their training session.

But coach Frank Farina ensured the squad worked hard in the 70 minute session, which was followed by some gym work.

“Today was good,” Farina said. “We gave the players a day off yesterday because they have been great since we arrived. They-ve worked hard in very hot conditions so we freshened them up yesterday and got them back into the hard work today.

“We-ll do a double (session) today, then a single tomorrow and another double on Monday before we play another couple of games.”

The Sydney FC players enjoyed the team activity to Venice, and the physical and mental break it offered, but remain focussed on the job at hand.

“Yesterday was a really good experience for everyone,” said Sydney FC striker Corey Gameiro. “I think it was good to get a bit of downtime and get the boys together for a bit of team morale so it was a really, really nice day but back to reality today with two football sessions and a gym session so the boys are working hard and it-s good to get the rewards with a day off in Venice.

“It (Venice) was beautiful but everyone knows what we are here to do and that-s to work hard for pre-season so that-s what we-re doing and we-re back into it today. I-m feeling tired but it-s not a bad tired it-s a good tired.

"It-s going to get us to the last 30 minutes of every game and we-re going to be fit, we-re going to be flying so everyone-s really excited for the start of the season and everyone knows that we want to work as hard as we can to make sure that as soon as the season starts we hit the ground running.”