Shakhtar in Portugal: trial by rain

Thursday, January 26, 2017

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FCSD

Following yesterday's arrival and adaptation, the Pitmen’s second day of the training camp in Lagos was completely devoted to training on the football pitch and working out at the fitness centre

The only thing is that bad weather seems to have been chasing Shakhtar throughout the pre-season period. The players had hardly enjoyed the sun before they conducted the part of today’s morning session and the entire evening session in the pouring rain. However, tomorrow’s weather is expected to be more comfortable for training.

The afternoon session was primarily based on exercises with balls. They focused on tactical and playing elements and rapid moves from defence to attack. At the end of the training session, Paulo Fonseca asked midfielders and forwards not to leave the pitch for coaching them separately.

The Pitmen did not forget about the joyful event, with the goalkeeper Mykyta Shevchenko marking his 24th birthday. The birthday boy started accepting wishes just from the morning to hear them all day long.

- I have been marking my birthday at the training camp since I turned 15. At first, it was a bit disappointing, but now I got used to that and take for granted, - said the Shakhtar goalkeeper Mykyta Shevchenko. - It is a pleasure to accept congratulations from my teammates and mentors. They wished me health, success, and clean sheets. Overall, it has been a regular training day. At the opening training camp, we had laid a good basis for fitness, and now we are doing more ball-work, working on tactics, and performing playing exercises. We, goalkeepers, train under special training programme. Gradually, we are picking up the form and looking forward to matches. Pre-season preparation, with matches being as part of it, is easier and more exciting.

Tomorrow, after a morning session the team will play Austria in a friendly match scheduled to kick off at 17:30, Kyiv time.