Ward Explains Physical Challenges Of Goalkeeper Training

- Danny Ward emphasises the important of recovering quickly after testing goalkeeping sessions
- The former Liverpool ‘keeper reflected on a second full day in south-east France
- Ward praised the mix of shot-stoppers that are training with each other during pre-season

The Wales international shot-stopper’s second pre-season as a Fox has seen him accompany his team-mates to the French region of Évian-les-Bains, where City will train until Saturday before returning to England.

On matchday, while a ‘keeper’s focus would lie firmly on ensuring he is not beaten by opposition attackers, Ward says pre-season is the time to ensure their bodies are ready for the rigorous in-game exercises that they will experience.

“We normally come a bit earlier as ‘keepers to get a real physical block in,” Ward told LCFC TV. “It’s a lot of up and down diving. We were actually on the bungees today to give us that extra bit of resistance.

“It’s very physical on your legs and it’s just about getting that repetitiveness back in – getting up and hitting the ground and putting the work in.

“It’s not necessarily about keeping the ball out of the top corner at this stage of pre-season. It’s more about getting the work in and I’m sure you’ll see, as the development and the weeks go on, you’ll make them saves."

After arriving in France on Sunday, City trained twice on both Monday and Tuesday, with recovery proving difficult in the few hours of downtime in between.

“It’s tough,” said the 26-year-old. “You’ve got to do everything you can and you’ve got to do it right in between.

“[You need] plenty of ice baths and [have to] make sure you eat the right things and get the protein in.

“You basically rest as much as you can, you have massages and treatment ready for the afternoon session.”

Ward is one of five stoppers in Évian, with youth internationals Viktor Johansson and Daniel Iversen and experienced stoppers Eldin Jakupović and Kasper Schmeichel completing the goalkeeping contingent.

He said: "It’s a great blend and it was one thing that I was really happy with when I first came to the Club. Regardless of whether you’re Under-18s or a senior goalkeeper, we’re altogether.

“I really like that idea because I had it as a young lad and I feel like I benefitted massively. That’s only good and it’s good for all the lads.

“You’ve got the young pups diving around everywhere really spritely and it’s good vice versa for them. They get to see what we’re about. It’s a good blend.”

Ward and his City team-mates were on hand to welcome new signing Youri Tielemans to the team hotel on Monday night, and the ‘keeper has been impressed with the Club’s summer additions after the arrivals of James Justin and Ayoze Pérez.

“I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen in training and off the pitch as well, they seem like great lads who’ve slotted into the group really nicely,” said Ward of Justin and Pérez.

“It’s great to see Youri back here last night with all the boys. He fitted in seamlessly last year on and off the pitch and we’re very grateful to have him back.”