Gennaro Gattuso and his backroom staff are having very demanding and high tempo training sessions with ball work at the heart. Dimitri Foulquier is delighted. The defender has run the rule over the first few days of the training camp in the buildup to the opening game of the preseason against Borussia Dortmund and has highlighted the importance of getting their match fitness levels up ahead of the start of the LaLiga campaign.

Work and intensity

We are working really hard, with a lot of intensity, but that's typical for this time of the season. The aim is to start the season in shape, and that's why we have to work hard.

There are no friendly games

The main aim is to be very fit for Matchday 1. But we want to win every game.

New coaching staff

We have a new coach, so we have to get to know him and what he wants from us. We have to learn his concepts. That's what we're doing now: Working hard, learning and adapting.
We're all professionals and we've all had different coaches. It's all about adapting and assimilating things quickly. I think that the coaching staff are also adapting, and are putting in a big effort with the language, so that we understand one another well.

The importance of preseason

Personally, the best seasons that I've had came off a good preseason. That's why it's very important now, and that's why we're working so much.
Sometimes things work out better than others, but the important thing is to have a good attitude.

Message to the fanbase

I'd ask the fans to continue like they were last year, to keep supporting us, because we need them.