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Two months later…

The white and blues squad goes back to training at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque

This morning saw the players of RCD Espanyol starting their training at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque while following the strict health protocols imposed on this return to work by LaLiga, and after having passed last week’s medical tests. As of today, they emerge into the unknown in what is an entirely anomalous situation, after an enforced break due to the lockdown.

Just two months after the last session held at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque ground (on 11 March, before travelling to Torremirona), the squad has gone back to find a facility that is closed off to all access, continuously disinfected and with the obligation of following the most thorough of guidelines on solo training.

This is the new day-to-day, which will be extended, over several phases, for a number of weeks. Individualised and time-scheduled arrivals, the taking of temperatures immediately on arrival to the facility, waits in the car, with the training kit already on, ready to start each working shift, not being able to stay in the changing rooms or shower area… Everything planned to the smallest detail, from the personalized and marked water bottles, to the deep disinfection of all items used after each use. Going back to the car without the option of resting or showering, picking up the kit to be used the next day in a sealed bag and keeping the maximum physical distance between each of the people taking part in the training sessions.

With these guidelines, the white and blues squad has been divided into four groups of eight players (including five B team players who have been added to the first team’s training). The hourly sessions are also divided into four: three in the morning and one in the afternoon, held in four separate areas. Two gyms and two grass football pitches. Two players in each zone. One minute dedicated to each exercise then change places. Rotation is essential to optimise time and the exercises. And that’s how each day will go while this first phase of individual training lasts.