Oxford United’s pre-season in Spain really picked up pace today as the players went through a series of tests and drills that really pushed them to the limits of their stamina.
The U’s were delighted to welcome fans for an open session at the Marbella Football Center with five-year old fan Gianni having a great time when he met his heroes, even joining in some of the warm up and taking a penalty against Jack Stevens.
The fans then retired to the shade but there was no respite for the players who were out on the grass for 90 minutes with the exhausting ‘Flower Run’ at the end of the session the highlight: eight runs around poles and back to the centre circle.
“They worked really hard but you could see them pushing each other on and working as a group” Karl Robinson told us. “It was nice to see the fans here and I hope it gave them an insight into the amount of work these players are doing as we build to the new season.”
The afternoon provided some light relief for the U’s as the players visited a nearby centre for some kick boxing lessons and to try their hand at Paddle Ball
“That was just to mix it up a little” Karl said. “It was good fun but both of those are also tough sports to play so it has been a really good day.”
Click through a Gallery of the day above or visit iFollow for a catch up with Billy Bodin plus more great behind the scenes content from Spain.