Conor Hourihane believes there’s a ‘real team spirit building’ in the Derby County camp.
The Rams concluded their week-long training camp in the Spanish city of Alicante on Saturday afternoon with a 1-1 draw against Sky Bet League Two side Salford City at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia.
After a gruelling week on the training pitches, the Rams’ players got match minutes under their belts in the sweltering heat and, after falling a goal behind just before half-time, Hourihane set up Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to equalise just before the hour mark.
Hourihane, who is approaching his second season with the club after signing as a free agent last summer, is convinced the week away with the group has already fostered a strong closeness and camaraderie which will only benefit the team on the pitch when the 2023/24 campaign gets underway next month.
The midfielder spoke to RamsTV after the clash with Salford to reflect on the week in Spain, discuss his role as a senior player and also discuss the growing unity in the squad with just three weeks to go until the start of the new campaign.
On the week…
It has been tough, no doubt about it. It has been well documented that it is roasting out here in Spain so that has made it difficult, but it has also been enjoyable. Pre-season is always going to be difficult no matter what - but we’ve had a good week, everyone has been really professional, and we’ve got some match minutes in to round it all off. The legs did feel a bit heavy, but we knew they would be after the week we’ve had. Like I said, it has been enjoyable, and it feels like there’s a good buzz around the place. We’re getting close to the season and hopefully we get fitter and stronger with every game.
On his assist for Mendez-Laing’s goal…
That’s nice as it is what my game is about. It was a nice finish from Nat and it was a bit of character as a team, even though it is only pre-season, to come back from 1-0 down. It is about setting those professional standards moving forward.
On the team spirit…
You can feel it building, for sure. The gaffer is big on that and he is big on character too. The lads that have signed this summer have settled in, the spirits are high and long may that continue. We’ve had the group doing speeches this week, as people will be aware, and it has been amazing. Basically, each player or staff member has had to stand up and give a story of their life to everyone. We’ve spent so much time together and you only normally talk about football, players or games and it has been nice to gain some knowledge on each individual. It can only bring us closer together and there have been some amazing stories.
On driving standards as a senior member of the group…
I am big on that, so I’ve enjoyed it. I think it is important for the older lads to be driving the younger ones through every day and throughout my career I have been one, I believe, with good standards and professionalism. It has been amazing to do that so far in pre-season and I hope that is rubbing off on everyone every single day really.
On heading home on Sunday…
I think we’re all looking forward to getting home. We’ve had a great week, but I’ve got a wife and kids at home who I am really looking forward to seeing. I am sure the lads are the same wanting to see their loved ones.
On a busy week ahead with two games, including Craig Forsyth’s Testimonial…
We’re looking forward to it. Fozzy he has been an incredible servant to Derby County. He is an amazing guy and he deserves a great day. If anyone hasn’t bought their tickets, I would urge them to do so and show him their support. For someone to be at a club so long is rare these days so we’re all looking forward to it and I am sure he and his family will have an amazing day.