First and foremost, a big thank you to Blackburn Rovers for the access. They were more than happy for me to watch training and stay around the hotel throughout Thursday whilst working.
It makes a big difference on trips like this. You get a real feel for the atmosphere and learn different things that you otherwise don't see. At no point was I made to feel in the way, nor was there any secrecy, which isn't always the case at clubs. It varies, usually depending on the head coach.
As you'd imagine, the La Finca Resort is a very nice place to stay. You're immediately struck by the size and the modern white interior is very on-trend. There's a big swimming pool below the reception area with a full golf course, padel courts and plenty more. The club were kind enough to provide lunch with an array of fish, meats, paella and pasta on offer.
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It's set up for football clubs to stay. Millwall and Swansea have been recent visitors and it's clear to see why clubs have set up their camps here.
Training takes place around a 15-minute walk away. It's up a steep hill from the resort and then drops back down to the view of a brilliant training pitch. There's a nice bank just above where I, and a few fans that had been invited, stood and watched training.
Most of the players biked from the resort to training, which looks even harder than walking. Given the gradient and the heat, I think I'd be cooked doing that alone, never mind a full session afterwards. The sight of Augustus Kargbo blazing out his music, helmeted up, with a big smile on his face, climbing the hill on his bike summed up the mood in camp.
Rovers' session was primarily on shape and tactical work for the match against Elche on Friday. Unsurprisingly, we were asked not to film or take photos of that portion, which again highlights the trust Ismael is showing with the media. It does feel like the club are making an effort to have a more open-door policy.
Training started with some light running exercises before ball work. It was a rondo-style drill with teams of two rotating around the various circles pressing to win the ball back. Dean Whitehead got involved and certainly held his own.
Rudy Gestede and Suhail Pasha are both out here and came to watch training. They came and spoke to the supporters who had been welcomed in before making their way back to the hotel.
Training lasted for about an hour, with the players doing a gym session later on. The focus was on attacking movements and link-up play. The team was split into the starting XI for Elche and the rest of the squad, doing the same exercises and taking turns to complete the patterns.
The squad then split with the attackers and midfielders working on some shooting exercises whilst the defenders worked on drills as a back four. Again, those on the bench formed their own backline and the starters worked together. It's clear that Ismael wants to focus on familiarity and building connections all across the pitch.
The weather started off overcast and cloudy, though still warm at 27 degrees, before the sun poked through the clouds around 11:30am local time. By the end, it was another hot day and certainly testing for the players.
Many of the squad came and took photos with the fans here whilst others supporters hunted autographs. No problem, plenty of smiles and a lovely atmosphere around the camp. Many are probably enjoying the change of climate and a rare sighting of the sun, less spotted in Blackburn.
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The competitive edge in training wasn't lacking. It never fails to strike me how desperate they are to win and compete despite the relaxed tone. It's like flicking a switch when they enter the pitch.
Despite the match tomorrow, the squad are doing a light session in the morning ahead of kick-off. It's around a 35 drive back to the stadium in the afternoon after that.
Ismael will learn plenty more about Rovers' preparations in what will be a step-up in quality again in Elche.
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