Anushil Kumar’s Diary – DAY 6
Back to business!
The Digicel Bula Boys have taken both strengths and weaknesses out from the friendly match against Vanuatu, with video clips analysed, and stepped-up intensity in the training session as we prepare to take on New Caledonia five days later.
We had a recovery session at the hotel today.
The team experienced a new recovery session with sauna, jacuzzi, steam-bath and finishing off with a pool session. This was led by the technical director, Timo, and our two physiotherapists, Nishant and Varoon.
Dr Andrew took care of the medical screenings. In the evening training session, head coach Flemming had two different groups considering those who played full match against Vanuatu.
Assistant coach Sunil conducted finishing exercises and Epeli took care of the goalkeepers.
An interesting fact about our training ground. When we first saw the pitch from inside the bus, everyone thought it was an artificial turf.
A few boys shouted, “eh manager why didn’t you tell us before that it’s an artificial turf.”
I was left stunned as I was tell it will be a natural pitch. The team was amazed when we actually entered the pitch and found out it was natural grass.
It’s beyond perfection. The facility manager later on told us that currently it’s the winter grass put on to suit the weather and soon after our qualifiers, it will be removed and replaced with summer grass. Behind our training ground is the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy Qatar.
Fun fact — While our team was having warmup session on the first day of training, suddenly, the sprinkler turned on and started watering the ground.
Everyone just ran out, not knowing what was happening. I was then told by the facility manager that everything is programmed and it functions accordingly.
Our training session is booked for 8pm everyday and thus, sprinkler has been programmed for 7.45pm.
We started our session early and had yet another new experience.
Interesting, eh? Meanwhile, we have a few comedians as well in our team who ensure everyone have a good laugh after a hard day at training.
I will try to share some glimpses later on.
Calling it a day for now. Goodnight!
