Darren Wassall has told RamsTV that he has been particularly impressed with the mentality of Derby County’s Under-23s since returning for pre-season.
His squad, as well as the Rams’ Under-18s, reported back for duty at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby earlier this week and quickly set about getting back to work ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
After being, somewhat, eased back in to proceedings on Monday, the fitness of Derby’s Under-23s was put under huge scrutiny over the course of their second day back for pre-season.
A number of runs were factored in – including a demanding three sets of 1,500m circuits.
Wassall, Derby’s academy director, revealed all of the players passed the test with flying colours, praising the groups mental attitude and physical condition to get through the session and has backed them to take that forward into the rest of pre-season.
He told RamsTV: “Pre-season comes around quickly, but that’s ultimately what we are here for.
“There’s a real buzz about the place every time at the start of July, especially after a few weeks off. Everyone is raring to go.
“They have all come back in really good shape too, which is pleasing. They are professional footballers so we expect that, but it’s great that they have looked after themselves over the summer – that’s been proven over these first few days.
“They have been worked hard, particularly on the second day, and they have all come through with flying colours.
“We’re pleased with the physical shape they have come back in, but more so the mental state too.
“Running – particularly when you are doing 1,500m, two minutes off and then another 1,500m – is not just about physical strength, but mental too and on that front, they have started off very well.
“Hopefully they will continue that over the next six weeks to make sure they are ready for the start of the season.”
Wassall’s squad has been boosted by the return of two players this summer.
Offrande Zanzala, who missed the entirety of the 2016/17 season recovering from an ACL injury, and Kyle McAllister, who joined the club from St Mirren in January but was sidelined with a persistent groin problem, have both involved in pre-season from the first day.
Wassall has likened the pairs return to fitness to having two new signings.
He added: “We haven’t seen Kyle at all since he signed back in January so it is great to see him fit and raring to go at the start of pre-season.
“The same applies to Offrande. We lost him for the whole of last season so it’s like signing two new players.
“We expected big things from him last year, so he has got a lot to prove this time around.
“The great thing is that he is back amongst the lads and he will be putting himself forward for selection when the games programme kicks in.”
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U23 And U18 Pre-Season Schedules Confirmed
Derby Youngsters Get Back Down To Work
