late for training

Reports out of Sardinia note the squad is focusing its efforts this week on general conditioning with tactical work starting when they meet in Lindabrunn on May 19. With fitness coach, Roger Spry taking over practice the team went through an exhausting series of wind-sprints and general conditioning drills in rainy conditions.

This might be the first error in Coach Hickersberger and the ÖFB’s planning as unfortunately with it twenty-four days to the opening of the Euro’s it is far too late for general conditioning work to have a positive impact on elite-level athletes. Actually at this time, including a two day break next week, it will actually have a detrimental effect at a surprising error at this level. While levels of fitness and preparedness are always a concern, at this stage it should be done within highly specialized and tactical work.