Foxes Stepping Up To The Challenge, Says Simpson

- Leicester City have endured a tough first day in Évian, France
- The Foxes will spend the week there as part of their pre-season schedule
- Claude Puel’s men enjoyed two sessions and a morning bike ride on Monday

A day of cycling, fitness tests and ball work came on Monday in resplendent surroundings and while temperatures threatened to hit 30 degrees Celsius, the Foxes battled through.

Simpson, 31, says pre-season is not getting any easier as he prepares for his fifth season in England’s top flight as a Leicester player.

“It was tough,” said Simpson following a first day of training. “Obviously, that’s what pre-season is – it’s not supposed to be easy. “We had a bike ride this morning early doors and we had a good blast of fitness work then. Everyone is doing well to be honest.

“It obviously makes it [harder] and we’re not used to this much heat and this much sun, so it does make it a little more difficult.

“Regardless of that, I think it’s just difficult anyway and that’s the whole point of why we’re here this week. We had a good first week in Leicester and now we’ve stepped up and they’ve really put us through our paces this week.”

Simpson spent time in the Californian city of Los Angeles with some familiar faces this summer and was determined to report back to the Club in good physical condition.

“I think the game has changed now,” he continued. “In the off-season, you have to tick yourself over.

“Maybe a few years ago, people just didn’t do anything at all, but now you have to do bits because it’s so difficult when you come in. You want to just give yourself the best possible start because it’s going to be tough.

“There’s a rehab centre out there [Los Angeles]. There’s quite a few of us that always go to LA every summer – the likes of [Daniel] Sturridge, Nathan Redmond, Danny Williams and Kieran Gibbs.

“While you’re on holiday, it’s a good centre to go to in the mornings to do some strength work and get some treatment.”