EKDAL ENJOYING PRE-SEASON RETURN

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Defender reviews first few days of Portugal pre-season camp

2023-06-12T13:06:59.704Z

EKDAL ENJOYING PRE-SEASON RETURN

Defender reviews first few days of Portugal pre-season camp

2023-06-12T13:06:59.704Z

Defender reviews first few days of Portugal pre-season camp

Hjalmar Ekdal admits although it’s a different style pre-season programme to what he is used to in Sweden, the centre-back says he’s ‘enjoying’ the training so far since returning and described it as a ‘good new’ for him.

Vincent Kompany’s men returned to pre-season training last Monday (5th) following a four-week break, before then flying to Portugal on Thursday (8th) for a week training camp at the ‘Campus’.

After joining the Clarets on a four-and-a-half-year deal in January from Allsvenskan side Djurgardens IF this summer is Ekdal’s first taste of pre-season in England after only previously playing in Sweden prior to the move.

Speaking in Portugal, the 24-year-old explained what the squad have been up to in Quinta Do Lago and described the differences between the pre-season programmes in Sweden and England.

Ekdal said: "It's been really good so far. The first day was a bit of a recovery session so that was like a good introduction.

EKDAL ENJOYING PRE-SEASON RETURN - Image 1

"We had a little competition in the gym, which was playful and fun. So, it was a good first day for us to settle in.

"The second day was a little bit tougher. Outside on the grass, more running and exercises. But it feels really good to be back on the pitch.

"In Sweden it's usually a really long pre-season, around three months in fact. It starts off a little bit slower and then you work into it and although right now isn't really hard it's definitely more than I am used to this early on in pre-season.

"It's definitely nothing i can't handle though. It's just a little bit new, a good new and a I like it, I am enjoying it.”

Ekdal made the move to Turf Moor in the winter transfer window and was straight into the action making his debut just two weeks after joining the Clarets.

MATCH PREVIEW: NORWICH CITY V BURNLEY - Image 5

The defender then made his first start against Norwich City helping the side to a 3-0 win and scoring on his debut in the process before starting in the next eight consecutive league matches.

Ekdal said: "I came in halfway through the season, when Burnley were already top of the league and doing so well.

"Luckily for me i was playing right away and it came as a slight surprise to me to be honest.

"But it went well for me, I played quite well and i was really happy with that period of the season.

"The gap between old club and the Championship is quite a big step and before i arrived i did wonder if it was going to be too big a step up or could i handle it.

"I seemed to handle it well and got off to a great start on my debut scoring and a clean sheet.

"I picked up the injury then towards the end of the season and I then missed a few matches but we went up to the Premier League and I am back fit, so I can't complain!”