Compared to the second season, the #GarudaSelect players in this third season have indeed been forged harder especially in the physical training program.
Three Second Batch #GarudaSelect Players were recalled to join the Third Batch #GarudaSelect Program. They are Edgard Amping, Rafli Asrul, and Fernando Pamungkas. All of them have experienced quite rapid physical improvement as a result of the pre-season intensive training during the national lockdown in UK.
Compared to the second season, the #GarudaSelect players in this third season have indeed been forged harder especially in the physical training program. During the lockdown, all non-professional matches were banned and because of that the coaching team have conducted a series of programs especially aimed to increase the physical strength of the players.
"For me personally, during few months here, the most pronounced improvement I have been feeling is the physical development. During the lockdown, we have received a series of physical programs, for instance we had several 5 kilometer running workouts for more than one month," Nando explained.
"The coaches ask us to focus on increasing our physical strength during the lockdown. For technique, we also learn to understand the patterns of play that the coaching team want to use when we compete," said Edgard, who has been trusted to become the captain of the third batch of #GarudaSelect squad.
Meanwhile for Rafli, the improvement has been felt not only in the physical aspect. He thinks that his ability to handle the ball has also improved after undergoing several trainings a day. "There are a lot of improvements that I feel. I also feel the way I play has changed compared to the second season, mainly in decision making. I realize now that I know much better when I have to pass, dribble or to kick the ball," said Rafli.
As the #GarudaSelect team is now preparing to return to compete against the UK's best club academies, they continue to carry out the training program as usual, namely a mix of physical strength, technique and tactical understanding programs, both individually and in groups.