Sky Blues club captain, Sam Ricketts speaks about the intensity of preseason in Austria and his role as a leader at the club...
Club Captain Sam Ricketts is intent on building on the momentum from last year’s campaign and using that positivity to kick start the 2016/17 season.
The 34-year old is currently out in Austria with the rest of Sky Blues squad, as they undergo an intense five day training camp based around improving fitness and developing tactics for the upcoming season.
The Sky Blues skipper signed a new one-year deal at the beginning of July, with Tony Mowbray praising Ricketts for the experience and leadership he brings to the dressing room.
Ricketts said: “The Gaffer is still trying to bring in a number of played, maybe five or six. But as a whole the club is in a far stronger position than this time last year.
“The club has made great strides throughout last season, we made huge steps last year and I believe that reignited the fans belief that this club can be hugely successful.
“It’s changing people’s mindsets really, and convincing people that the club can be do well. It’s important we maintain that momentum from the backend of last season and start this year strongly. Ultimately, we’re here to try and achieve something.”
The defender has taken on an additional role at the club this season, as both Ricketts and fellow senior pro Marcus Tudgay will be pitching in with some coaching throughout the season.
It was recently announced that Ricketts is set to continue his club captaincy ahead of next season and he commented on his role as a leader around the club and dressing room: “When you’re a young lad you are a bit inhibited, the young lads or first years haven’t played a lot of first team football.
“As you get older, you’ve gained experience, you feel more confident to be vocal and speak in front of the players. You try with your voice to encourage players or to lift the tempo of training and push players.
“I try to lead, I can be harsh sometimes but I’m trying to allow players to learn. There is a fine line, and all the players know I talk to them with their best interests in mind. If I see areas where myself or other players can improve, I’ll highlight that.
“Spending time with the players away from home, you form friendships and you learn new things about each other. You try and bring everyone together a bit. Ultimately, It’s a change of scenery and the training is far more intense. There are no distractions here, its solely football focussed.
“So far preseason has gone very well, physically people are working hard but also off the pitch - there are tactical sessions and meetings, where we are looking to implement a certain style of play that will be successful next season.”
Official CCFC tour sponsor: Andrew Whiting Wealth Consultancy LLP