Dons boss Karl Robinson has been delighted with his side’s work-ethic during their first seven days of pre-season training in the Republic of Ireland.
The Dons have spent their time in Dublin completing three sessions a day under the watchful eyes of Robinson, Gary Waddock and fitness coach Damien Doyle.
With fitness work at the heart of the sessions, Robinson has been pleased with the carefully-monitored results.
Speaking to mkdons.com Robinson said: “It’s been a fantastic week, I think if you ask the players right now they don’t really like me and the rest of the staff right now because of the work they have been put through. They are doing three sessions a day and the work levels and the fatigue they are suffering is through the roof.
“For instance Luke Chadwick burnt 1400 calories in one training session yesterday and he covered 10 kilometres which is remarkable. They are all in a fantastic, fit state. They are tired at the moment and the camp suffered a little bug two or three days ago too but they have two days off so they can enjoy the weekend and recover from all of the hard work.”
The 48-hours of recovery will be of the utmost importance to the players as they prepare for games at the early part of next week.
“Next week the players will play Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (behind-closed-doors) and on Saturday when we are back in the UK. That is a lot of games in six days and that is a big ask so early in the season."
It is almost two weeks since the Dons confirmed the appointment of Waddock as Head of Coaching and Robinson has been enthused by the response of his players to the backroom staff’s new addition.
He added:“Gary Waddock has been magnificent; I think he has been a great addition to the group. The players have really taken to him and his drills and sessions which have helped make this trip as successful as it has been so far.
“I think we have struck a really good balance between me, Gary and Damien (Doyle). The players have responded really well.”
