West Ham United U21s continue their pre-season work in southern Spain, stepping up their preparations for the new season in the town of Benalup-Casas Viejas.
So far, each day has consisted of double training sessions, complemented by strength and conditioning work, with afternoon pitch sessions taking place in temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C.
The young Hammers have also been putting in extra hours in the gym, building fitness as the start of the competitive season edges closer.
Addressing his players after the second day of training, lead coach Mark Robson said: “Last season’s work rate was exceptional, and this season you’ve managed to raise it. We’re really pleased with the work ethic shown throughout pre-season and the desire to improve. As the boys who have experienced that first-team environment will tell the rest of the lads, the levels are even higher, so that’s what we’ve got to be aiming for.”
With the National League Cup, Premier League 2, EFL Trophy and Premier League International Cup tournaments on the horizon, the U21s are now focused on their next pre-season test, a training fixture against Atlético Sanluqueño.
For the Spanish side, based on the south coast of Cádiz, Friday morning's fixture will be their first game of the new season as they prepare for a third successive campaign in the Primera RFEF, Spain’s third tier.
