This week has seen a change of training routine for the U’s with new covid protocols in place.
On Monday the whole squad and staff were tested and the only negative result was for a member of the support staff who has happily shown no symptoms but is self isolating as a precaution in line with government guidelines.
Yesterday came the news that testing will be mandatory across the EFL thanks to funding from the PFA and Karl Robinson told us:
“That’s great news and something we have felt should always have been in place. We have always done the right things here and the results from Monday back that up. But knowing that regular testing is going to happen across the whole league will ensure the highest standards across the board. Ultimately it is all about the safety of players and staff within football”
With no game on Tuesday evening or on Saturday United’s players have been able to recharge their batteries this week ahead of the Papa John’s Trophy home game against Cambridge United on Tuesday evening.
There have been changes though. Players now arrive at the Training Ground changed already and wait in their cars until called in within small groups of three to complete the required medical forms and temperature checks . No changing rooms are open and the canteen and communal areas such as the ‘break out room’ are closed.
Today’s training was done in two groups and the morning group reported at 9am then trained in smaller groups: one in the gym and the other on the 3G pitches before they joined for a training session on the pitches. They then departed, with no showers available, to head for home while the second group went through a similar socially distanced procedure.
Staff must limit their time within the building to ‘essential’ time, working remotely where possible and Karl told us:
“Everyone has been incredible for a long time now. We know the importance of these procedures and we have raised the bar even higher as a precaution. It’s just about being sensible right now and looking after each other.
“That’s the message to fans as well. We know it’s tough for them, maybe even worse this week with no match to keep them entertained, but look after each other, do the right things and we know that eventually we will get through this.”
See the full interview in iFollow.