Direction Algarve: Slavia squad takes off for Training camp
The team initiated their preparation with fitness tests on Sunday, followed by training sessions at Eden in the subsequent days. In Portugal, they will continue their preparations until January 28, featuring traditional friendly matches during the training camp.
"We mainly trained in the forest, the guys had to work hard. They coped well, and we are satisfied. They came well-prepared, showed it from the first day. Portugal will be challenging, we are demanding, the guys know that. Everyone is happy to be together again. We are looking forward to pleasant weather, to warmth," said assistant coach Zdeněk Houštecký.
"I really liked it there last year; I am looking forward to it a lot. It´s a football training camp, and it´s been a while since I played, so I have a bit of withdrawal (laughter). There is also a pool table; I will surely spend an evening there," revealed Matěj Jurásek with a smile and also talked about his health. He injured his ankle at the beginning of November against Plzeň.
"I started running, kilometers, mainly straight runs. The ankle holds up, manages it; we´ll see how it goes with changes of direction. I will probably remain in contact with physiotherapists for a while," he added.
Nineteen-year-old Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf also boarded the plane on Thursday. The reinforcement from Norwegian Tromsö IL signed a contract at Eden until June 30, 2028.
"He is a young guy, we all agreed on that. He is a left-footed, fast player, tough. We believe he will succeed with us, be a good addition. We´ll see how quickly he adapts; the transition to another club is not easy for anyone. He spent a year at his previous club, and now he´s here. Running-wise, he looks very good; we´ll see," elaborated Houštecký.
In Algarve, two youth players, nineteen-year-olds Matěj Žitný and Jan Lack, will also join the first team for preparation.
"They are players we like in terms of their style. They will certainly get a chance in Algarve; we are curious about them."
Slavia will kick off the spring part of the season at home against Jablonec on February 11, with the 20th round of the FORTUNA:LIGA starting at 18:00. Tickets for the match are available on general sale HERE.
