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Dave Barton writes

Posted Sunday, July 22nd 2018 @DBartonBCFC

Mission accomplished from Spanish tour - Johnson

Sunday, July 22nd 2018

City flew back to Bristol from Spain this morning with Lee Johnson reflecting on mission accomplished from their pre-season camp.

The squad arrived back in BS3 after the seven day, two-game stay in Marbella which saw the players stretched physically and mentally in the lead up to the 2018/19 Sky Bet Championship season.

City drew 2-2 Real Balopédica Linense and lost 1-0 to Rayo Vallecano.

And head coach Johnson was pleased with what was achieved overall.

“It was a very, very successful week as far as I’m concerned,” said Johnson.

“The boys have worked extremely hard, they have put in a lot of effort, both mentally, physically and tactically.

“Naturally you want to win every game 5-0 but sometimes it’s better to learn things about your players and the strength and weaknesses of the team in tough games that stretch you.

“It’s about winning and losing come August 4 but these games have been really beneficial.

“There’s minutes and games and sessions in the locker now which is important and I think we are primed really well at the moment.

“We’ve had a fantastic camp, the facilities have been top notch and it has brought us all closer together.”

Gallery

City’s five summer signings – Marley Watkins, Jack Hunt, Adam Webster, Andreas Weimann and Hakeeb Adelakun – all travelled.

Johnson added: “They are all good people and first and foremost we want to bring good people into the group because it’s a long season and we’ve got to stick together through thick and thin.

“It gets to the stage where we just can’t wait to get going – let’s get that buzz of trying to fight for three points and get 20 odd thousand at Aston Gate singing the boys names and scoring a few goals. It’s a drug, adrenaline and we want it back quickly.”

City will now prepare for the visit of Eddie Howe’s Premier League Bournemouth on Friday (July 27th, 7pm kick-off).

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