AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Lockdown Level 4 offers chance for Navy Blues to grab a much-needed recharge.
Auckland City FC were due to face Western Springs in a Northern League catch-up game when New Zealand plunged head long into nationwide lockdown.
Head coach José Figueira weighed up the pros and cons of life in isolation for him, his staff and the squad.
"We have purposely kept things pretty low key during this first few weeks of the lockdown.
"We all want to be out on the pitch, training, playing games but more importantly living our normal life’s and routines, it’s been a good opportunity as a group to hit the pause button and recharge physically and mentally.
"I know speaking to the group everyone is enjoying some quality time with family, partners and friends.
The first team staff and squad have been working full throttle since almost this time last year when they prepared for the final edition of the ISPS Handa Premiership and have the players have racked up nearly 40 games and countless training sessions.
"That schedule would takes its toll on any group and we're no exception.
"We have been touching base weekly as a group to stay connected through mobility sessions, team bonding and also a chance to reflect and review what we’ve achieved so far and where we think we need to be improving.
"Hopefully in the next couple weeks we get a clearer idea of what the timeline might be to return to training and also when the competition will kick off again.
"Once we know this we will be able to ramp up our preparations and make sure we are ready to go when we are given the green light," Figueira said.
Ends
Sun 13 October 2024, v Cashmere Technical, Kiwitea Street, 2.00pm
Position | P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | |
2 | NC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | |
3 | ES | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 | |
4 | WP | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
5 | WS | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 3 | |
6 | CT | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
7 | WO | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | |
8 | BU | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 1 | |
9 | WE | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 1 | |
10 | CS | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 1 |