As training in Tenerife gets underway, we got the thoughts of the Gaffer on the week ahead…
“It’s hard work. If you’re not training you’re sleeping, and if you’re not sleeping then you’re eating. There are four things that we do here - we train, sleep, eat, and we work hard.
“It’s brilliant hard work and we’re very privileged, so we’ve got to make the most of it.
“It’s a superb location and the training facilities are amazing. It’s something that we really do enjoy doing but it is definitely hard work.”
He continued: “You find out about people out here - bad habits and time-keeping, for example, and whether they’re going to continue on the long-term journey of discipline, responsibility and maturity. These are key components of success and that’s what we try to achieve in Tenerife.
“It’s important that the players behave out here as I expect them to behave on a matchday when they’re out in public. It’s the same whether it’s at a training camp or getting off a coach at an away stadium.
“It’s important that our habitual behaviour and our values are reflected in everything that we do, and we’re very proud to be representing Rochdale Football Club. I take a lot of pride in that.”