HARTMAN ENJOYING "TOUGH" PRE-SEASON

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Full-back discusses pre-season in Portugal

2025-07-17T14:00:00.000Z

HARTMAN ENJOYING "TOUGH" PRE-SEASON

Full-back discusses pre-season in Portugal

2025-07-17T14:00:00.000Z

Full-back discusses pre-season in Portugal

Quilindschy Hartman was feeling positive on day four of the Clarets' pre-season training camp in Portugal, with the Dutchman pleased that the week could also offer him the opportunity to bond with his new team-mates ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign.

When asked how he had been finding it, the 23-year-old said: “It’s warm and it’s tough. I think we’ve had the two toughest days now and we’re halfway there. It’s been a good week, training a little bit similar to how we do back home but in different circumstances and I think it’s nice just to get away and do some different things. For example, at night playing some games, it’s good for the group.”

And how has he found training in the warm temperatures in Portugal?

“It’s quite tough. Also, at my former club I’m not used to doing this type of training, it’s a little bit different. But up to now I think I’ve managed to get through it quite well. I feel good.

“It’s tough but it’s tough for everyone. We’re just doing it together, doing our best and I hope that we get rewarded for it.”

In the heart of Quinta do Lago, The Campus is the squad's base for the week and Hartman is at home having trained there previously.

“I’ve been here before once with the national team, so I knew already how good it is here. It’s perfect, you don’t have to think about anything else but training and getting stronger. It’s really nice, good atmosphere, good facilities, good food. Everything has been good up to now so I’m happy with that.”

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The full-back made the move to Lancashire last month, with a few weeks under his belt has the Club met his expectations or exceeded them in any way so far?

“I talked with the coach a lot before I came here, especially about the team, how it was, how he thought I could fit in as a person. I think that’s the most important thing for me. Obviously playing football is important but I like to be comfortable, when I’m comfortable then I can be the best version of myself on the pitch.

“What he was telling me before is a little bit what I’m seeing now, just a nice group, very easy to come into because everybody’s interested in things beside football too. Everyone is interested in where I’m going to live, what’s my situation, where did I play, these kind of things.

“In the first two weeks I think I’ve already had chats with almost everyone. It’s been very good; it’s something that’s very important to me.”

Hartman has also found the week away to be a great opportunity to bond with his new team-mates.

“If you have a nice group of people and you get along well together then in the end you will see it on the pitch.

“The Wolf game was a good introduction to that, you can get to know each other. Some guys had to lie a little bit but it’s always nice to see how they are dealing with that situation and working together. That was the moment for me, I thought ok this is my new home.”

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And was he any good at the Wolf game?

“I was faithful, I think I did quite well in the end! It finished with Kyle Walker as the big wolf and to be honest he did really well, so you have to be careful with him!”

Hartman is one of six new signings to join the group this window, which he believes is a help when settling into a new Club.

“That helps a little bit. I was at a hotel in the beginning with Max [Weiß], travelling together to training so we could chat together, then you’re not alone here. Also, I knew a few Dutch guys here already so that helps as well because it’s just easy to communicate in your own language sometimes too. To ask questions about how they are doing things.

“I think there’s a good balance for me between new guys, Dutch guys and the guys who were already here with experience, for example Kyle coming in as well. It’s working well.”

With one month to go until Scott Parker and his men kick-off their Premier League campaign away at Tottenham Hotspur, the Netherlands international is looking forward to the occasion and getting to play in front of the Clarets fans.

“It’s really exciting. I’m not really thinking about it too much yet, we’re just busy with getting stronger and being ready but it’s one month so I’m really excited. All the lads are too.

“I think the guys who were here last season are excited because they get a reward for the hard work from last season. For the new guys like me I’m just happy that I can help them in the Premier League, it’s a personal dream as well.

“I can feel this group worked really hard last year so I want to help them play many more years in the Premier League.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the fans, especially playing at Turf Moor. I got a lot of nice messages from Burnley fans, so I’m really excited to show myself to them and hopefully be in their hearts like I was with the Feyenoord fans. I hope that I can do that quickly.”