David Artell believes that Crewe Alexandra’s intense pre-season will paid dividends over the course of the new season. The Alex boss and his staff have really pushed the players both physically and mentally and a number of them have been able to get a succession of 90 minutes under their belts in the pre-season games programme.
The Alex boss says that the demands he has made of his players will benefit them over the course of the new season. Crewe kick off against Mansfield Town on August 5th at Gresty Road.
Artell said: “It has been intense and we have asked questions of the players but the aim of the pre-season is to make sure we can last the whole season. We wanted to give them a good platform of fitness and the players are as fit as they possibly can be with a week or so to go.
“People will say they are young lads and they should be fit but they have to be ready to play 50 plus games and make sure they can produce in on a Saturday, then a Tuesday and the Saturday again. It is tough and we have given them a good basis of fitness.
“Now they have ownership. They have to be just as responsible for being in condition to produce. They have to know their bodies and what works for them. That does come with experience and the younger lads have to learn about that. They have to be as professional as possible.
He added: “Although we have picked up some injuries, which is always disappointing, we have been pleased with the work the players have put in.”