Afterward, the team traveled by bus and trained at the same practice ground as the day before. Yesterday, the recovery group trained in the pool, but today all 23 members of the expedition team were on the field.
The temperature in Abu Dhabi rose again today, making it a sweaty day, but the players warmed up with smiles.
The full team practice began under the watchful eye of Technical Director Zico. Although it was hot during the day, the temperature dropped rapidly in the evening. There seems to be a significant temperature difference throughout the day in Abu Dhabi.
As the sky was painted with a beautiful sunset, only the first 15 minutes of practice were open to the press today as well. More media, including a Spanish newspaper, came to cover the event than yesterday.
By the time the closed-door training session and all its drills were finished, the sun had completely set. After the main practice, the players spent their time before heading back to the locker room by cooling down with a run, playing a game of trying to score goals with backspin kicks, or doing strength training.
Upon returning to the hotel, it was dinner time. Chef Ono, who had been supporting the team with Chef Nishi since the first day of arrival in the UAE, was returning home today. Therefore, Team Captain Shoji presented him with Antlers merchandise and took a commemorative photo with the players to express their gratitude. There's no doubt that delicious food is a source of their strength. Thank you, Chef Ono!
Also, December 17th was Athletic Trainer Hashimoto's birthday, so a commemorative photo was taken for him as well. The team morale is at its peak. Tomorrow, the day before the match against Real Madrid, a press conference and practice are scheduled at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
