Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer wasn't kidding on Monday when he said he takes training seriously.
The reigning MLS champs ended their first training camp under their new manager on Tuesday by scrimmaging 11 vs. 11 for almost 30 minutes.
Some of the team’s veterans, Jeff Larentowicz, Michael Parkhurst and Brek Shea, said they can’t remember ever doing that on a first day.
But they liked it.
“I think most guys would prefer to do that than to do something small and then line up the field and chase each other doing fitness without the ball,” Parkhurst said.
The day started with de Boer holding a team meeting at the training ground in Marietta during which he set expectations for the players.
“These are footballing men,” Larentowicz said. “They are professional. The goal is the same. We are looking forward to getting started.”
Parkhurst said de Boer didn’t set up a lot of rules so much as he discussed behaviors.
“Little things that are different from Tata (Gerardo Martino),” Parkhurst said. “He was pretty laid back with some of those things. Frank is going be more intuitive… to make sure guys are doing what they are supposed to be doing off the field.”
Every Atlanta United player, including the two draft picks and newest signing Dion Pereira participated. Parkhurst (ankle) and Chris Goslin (unknown) didn't participate in the session-ending scrimmage. Parkhurst said he will be ready to do so tomorrow.
De Boer was mostly quiet during the scrimmage because the goal is more about improving fitness.
“He’s going to push us,” Shea said. “He knows the team was good last year. He will try to continue with a different approach.”
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