West Ham’s first team are jetting off to the Dubai sun after the Chelsea midweek match as they have done in previous years.
Sam Allardyce has previously said he believes the short winter breaks in Dubai are vital to his team’s fortunes in the Premier League season run-in.
A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh after the news had been broken on WHUFCTV.com: “A few players are staying behind to work on fitness. In previous years the Hammers have stayed at Dubai Sports City.
“We need to be freshened up for the last nine games as the haul from the last ten games has simply not been good enough.”
With many points still to play for, Allardyce is hopeful that the trip gives the squad a real charge as he looks to gain an end of season edge.
After last season’s trip, the manager said: “I’ve been coming here for about 14 years with various teams and we have always found the facilities in Dubai exceptionally good, obviously the warm weather is guaranteed and the lads are really enjoying it.
“The horrendous climate we have in England and the amount of games we have to play in December and January is our peak time so physically and mentally they are very tired.
“Getting out and training in the sun, and enjoying each other’s company is extremely important. Our data has told us that players’ levels have increased when they got back even if it is only after a few days away, they can recharge the batteries physically and mentally and results have always improved for me.”
Nice work if you can get it… & on full pay
Which players are staying behind to work on fitness ?
Are the players sun bathing or training ?
As bangkobill said why does BFS need to go has he fatigue from chewing ?
They are only 3 months away from holiday time anyway do they deserve this trip ?
There time could be better used working together on the training ground here without 2 long flights sleeping in a strange bed eating strange food getting up early to beat the Germans to the sun beds,
Maybe hippohead should stay behind and attend a tactical masterclass.
More than likely hippo-head’s last free junket courtesy of the club.