Antoni Sarcevic warns Bantams what to expect on Austria trip

Sarcevic is a veteran of the Alpine retreat where Graham Alexander is taking the squad.

City’s first signing of the summer has experienced the training camp with Alexander before and is well aware of what awaits when they fly out from Manchester tomorrow.

“It’s not an exciting one like going to Spain or Portugal,” he said. “But the three years I’ve done it with the gaffer, I know it makes a big difference.

“His first year with Fleetwood, we ended up getting promoted. You get a lot of work in.

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“He said to me when I met him that it won’t be as vigorous this year as we’re not going so early. I half want to believe that but I don’t think I can!

“But it is massive for pre-season.

“The gaffer loves the idea of Austria because it is a nothing place. You are there to work and bond with your teammates.

“It’s not a glory trip but I think it’s vital for teams that want to get promoted to make those bonds with the lads and to work hard. Ultimately, that’s what we are there for.”

City can expect their days to start early – Sarcevic was drilled to be up and out for a run at 6am with Fleetwood.

“It’s not quite like an army camp but it was a case of you were down ready for six and ready to run.

“It’s not just the lads either. The gaffer gets all the staff involved, it’s one big team effort.

“The thought of it isn’t nice but when you’re there and you can see everyone bonding, you feel the difference of everyone being there for each other.”

City have a game planned for next Wednesday against local side SV Ried II.

But there is plenty of physical training lined up at the BSFZ complex in Obertraun before then – sessions which are also likely to include swimming in the Hallstatter See lake.

City's players can expect a dip in the nearby Hallstatter See lake (Image: Web)

Sarcevic added: “It is freezing. I don’t mind the morning runs up the hills but getting in that lake is not something I enjoy.

“But you’re all in it together. Even on the morning runs, you look around and can see the expressions on the faces of some of the lads.

“They are wondering what we’re doing but that’s the togetherness you need, the lads pulling each other on.

“Let’s be real. There could be a lot of games this year when we’re not playing our best and it’s about pulling each other through.

“That’s how it starts, jumping in the lake or getting up early for the runs. It’s those little moments when lads gee each other on that can help you come the season.”

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