Breathing space in Barca - Mauricio

Mauricio Pochettino stressed the importance of being able to “breathe a little bit” in different surroundings after day one of our mid-season training camp in Barcelona.

Our manager has flown the squad out to Spain for the third year in a row, following a hectic spell of fixtures over the Christmas and New Year period.

With the squad taking to the training pitch on Monday for the first time since Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Everton, Mauricio said there’s a positive vibe among the players as we build up to Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Southampton.

“Always it’s better when you win,” said Mauricio, referring to the brilliant performance the team enjoyed against the Toffees before boarding the plane.

“It’s fantastic to change the routine and always after a busy period in the Premier League and the FA Cup, the Christmas period, to try to change that routine is always important for the team.

“Barcelona is so close to London and with the weather we have here, to feel the warmth is important to lift everything, to breathe a little bit and we believe it’s good to create that atmosphere.

“Of course, the weather helps a lot. Being all together for the new players, for the staff, for everyone, it’s important.

“It’s true that we have amazing facilities (back in Enfield), but always to change the routine is important. It’s a moment and a break that helps for the rest of the season.”

Mauricio also pointed out that the excursion allows the players to work on team bonding as well as training.

“Yes, it’s both,” he added. “Both things are so important, to stay all together and then training too. That is the objective and that is how we look at that situation. I think it will be important for the team.”