On one pitch, two teams of five squared off against each other, with one side defending while the other sought to exploit any openings. The teams consisted of three centre-backs and two wing-backs, all while a goalkeeper diligently worked to keep the ball out of the net. If the defending team managed to gain possession, they had the option to aim for small goals located outside the playing area, adding an intriguing dimension to the activity.
The first goal of the game came from Matthijs de Ligt, who delivered a powerful finish that would make any striker envious, even though the primary aim was to search for openings and develop patterns for creating scoring chances.
Meanwhile, on an adjacent pitch, a shooting drill was in progress, with players receiving passes from one end to strike at goal and then quickly pivoting to shoot from the other side. Sekou Kone delivered a stunning strike using the outside of his foot, while Rasmus Hojlund radiated joy after netting two impressive goals in rapid succession, earning praise from his teammates.
Amorim concluded this segment with a sharp blast on his whistle, leading the group outside to the area near the Jimmy Murphy Centre. Small goals were positioned at each corner of the pitch, and the coaches emphasized the importance of speed before the drill commenced.
The atmosphere was lively and exhilarating, characterized by coaches offering guidance and encouragement amidst the fast-paced movement of the ball. Despite the high intensity, the players maintained a positive spirit as they focused on hitting the challenging targets.
By the end of the session, our head coach appeared satisfied, applauding everyone’s efforts. We wrapped up with a round-robin tournament instead of the full 11-a-side match we had participated in the previous week.
