Frank Lampard has explained to RamsTV just why this coming week’s training camp in Tenerife is important for him and his Derby County players.
The Rams fly out to the Canary Islands this afternoon for an intense six-day period of training before the games schedule kicks-off the following week.
Whilst Lampard has had the last two days to work with his players on the training field, a prolonged period of time in and amongst the squad is being seen as a key time by the Derby boss.
“I’m very excited about it and I hope the players are too,” Lampard said.
“They have had a good break now. I know they have been ticking themselves over – everyone keeps tabs on everyone, so we know where we are at – but to get back together as a group will be fantastic.
“We’re going to go away and get some proper training in and for me to be acquainted with the lads full-time is a huge thing to try and build those relationships.
“That’s something that I’m going to be straight into – not just on the on-pitch stuff, but the off-pitch stuff too. I can’t wait.
“Pre-season is about five weeks long and it would be a long-time to be here. It’s an opportunity for us to get away early, work hard in good conditions and it will be an important time for us all to get to know each other. It breaks up the time of being here and hopefully the lads will enjoy it.”
During an outstanding playing career, Lampard completed more than 20 pre-season campaigns.
“I liked it, but as I got older I liked it less,” he joked.
This, however, will be the 40-year-old’s first as a manager.
A lot of hard graft is going to be put in over the next five weeks – plenty of which will be done out in the Tenerife heat – but everything Derby do will be with the aim of ensuring they are ready for the opening day of the 2018/19 Sky Bet Championship season at Reading and beyond.
“I liked running and by the end of the month you have off (during the close season) I was really ready to go again, and I hope the players feel that way,” Lampard added.
“Hopefully with the new regime it can be exciting on all fronts. I enjoyed getting fit. We’re doing it for a reason, because we want to be on top form as soon as the season starts.”