The Caltex Socceroos have ramped up their preparations for Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia with an intense hit-out on Tuesday afternoon in Adelaide.
With all but three players (Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Tomi Juric) enjoying a lighter day on Monday, Ange Postecoglou’s squad were put through a challenging session at a chilly Adelaide Oval.
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NEWS
1. Defender Ryan McGowan failed to train after his flight was delayed into Adelaide. The 18-cap Socceroo is due to arrive late tonight (Tuesday).
2. Aziz Behich was restricted to light duties after being one of the last to arrive in camp. The Turkish-based defender was put through some fitness work as well as some stretching and recovery exercises.
3. Mark Milligan will miss Thursday’s game with suspension (yellow card accumulation) and did some extra fitness work on top of the session.
SESSION SUMMARY
After a light warm-up and stretch, the keepers separated from the rest of the main squad and worked as a group predominantly on their passing, touch and movement.
The rest of the squad begun with an unopposed drill which focused on combination play over roughly a 30-metre space, with players encouraged to link-up, make fast decisions and play with ‘freedom’ before finishing into a small-sided goal.
The intensity raised significantly when the players were split into opposing sides in a small-sided game.
With several ‘zones’ marked out over a 40-50 metre area, the players worked on keeping possession and their decision making under high pressure, with coaching staff encouraging sharp movement and determination to win back the loose ball.
Playing through the lines (defence, midfield, attack) appeared to be focus before feeding the attacking players from wide areas to finish past goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.
The session finished with a 10v10 game which was again played at an incredible pace.
"Reaction", "protect the ball" and "keep it moving" were all messages from the coaching staff as the players looked to simulate match intensity.
Link-up play, player rotation and pressing were key elements worked on.
After a little over an hour the session was done with the players undergoing a warm down and stretch.
Keepers Mat Ryan, Mitch Langerak and Danny Vukovic continued with some additional drills before calling it a day.
The Caltex Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifer in Adelaide on June 8. Click Here for Tickets
