Team meeting kicks off new era

Words: ACFC Media

Wednesday 18 September 2019

Picture: Phototek

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC's preparations for the new season took another step forward as coach Jose Figueira presented his plans to the club at Kiwitea Street last night.

The entire first team and youth team players and staff were joined by the club's Academy coaches as Figueira outlined his plans for 2019-20.

"The first meeting with the players is always important and I although I already know the majority of them, the purpose is to still give them an insight into what lies ahead.

"Not only sharing a few of my ideas and my mentality as a coach but also as a person as well.

AUDIO - Jose Figueira: 'Strength In Unity' is the essence of who we are

"The idea of tonight is give them a teaser to spark a bit of thinking for themselves and create some bonds with the youth team as well.

"We're one club from the staff to the youth to the first team we're all on the same mission and that's to have the best footballing experience you can have.

"I'm very confident the vibe from tonight was very positive," Figueira told www.aucklandcityfc.com

One theme to resonate strongly is the club's motto: 'Strength In Unity' and Figueira was adamant this would be key for not only the new players coming in but for players who had been with the club through one of it's most successful periods.

"It's important to revisit this concept even for some that have been at the club for a long time and are part of the furniture.

"Sometimes its hard to see the wood for the trees and 'Strength In Unity' really is the essence of who we are as a club.

"Revisiting it, understanding what it means as a group and as individuals will be very powerful for us," he said.

AUDIO - Adam Mitchell: "Laying down our values on the first day is key"

Two new faces among the group summed up the feeling in the room succinctly.

They were All Whites defender Adam Mitchell and former Eastern Suburbs and New Zealand age-group international Andrew Blake.

Mitchell is no stranger to Kiwitea Street having played under Figueira with Central United in the Lotto NRFL Premier Division.

"The main aspect of the meeting was 'Strength In Unity' and you can see that with the presence of the youth team and the first team and a few faces from last season.

"Cohesion of the team is the main aspect of the season going forward so to put those values down on the first day is key," he told www.aucklandcityfc.com.

Blake, whose most recent experience took him to the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) side Hibernian, was enthusiastic but not surprised by the content.

"I expected nothing less than a seminar when I arrived and computer session with Jose.

"I know a couple of players who have worked with Jose and he's obviously had the same philosophies and values his whole career which is why he's had so much success.

"I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed on and I can't agree with him more about what Jose's said tonight about values.

"The best thing about the ISPS Handa Premiership is that it is a small league and everyone knows everyone, you've either played with or against them and that was a massive attraction to coming to this club is to play with your mates," Blake said.

Auckland City FC begin pre-season training on Tuesday when the squad assembles at the Croatian Club to undergo baseline testing.

Ends

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