Chris Powell says Derby County’s pre-season tour of Portugal is the perfect opportunity to step up their workload as preparations for the 2016/17 campaign continue to gather pace.

Derby’s players will head out to their training base later today for a week-long stay in the Algarve, while the Rams’ Under 21s and Under 18s will also be making the trip.





As well as taking in double training sessions during their time in Portugal, Derby will compete in the Algarve Cup.





They will face Vitoria Setubal on Friday 15th July and Benfica on Saturday 16th July at Estádio Algarve in the competition.





Powell, who joined Derby as Nigel Pearson’s Assistant Manager at the end of May, is convinced that the trip will prove to be beneficial.





He told Rams Player HD: “We realise that we have come back later than most teams but that was down to the extension to last season, but since coming back the players have had their fitness tests and got down to their work.





“The attitude of the players is very good. They want to get fit and want to be right.





“Nigel(Pearson) is a big one in getting the players physically fit and also mentally as well; overcoming tough days and encouraging each other.





“You have to be self-aware about your own improvement and fitness – but you have to be selfless as well as being aware too.





“The weather in Portugal will be consistently hot and it will be a good trip – we will make sure we do the right amount of work as well as playing in the Algarve Cup.





“When we come back, it’s just two weeks until the season starts so it’s full steam ahead. We have got to up our workload and show we are ready in the games when we come back against Walsall, Chesterfield, Sheffield United and so on.





He added: “It’s the first time I’ve ever been away and the Under 21s will be on the same complex – and we have the Under 18s going out where which is great for them so early in their careers.”





Powell says the trip will also present an ideal opportunity to learn more about the Derby squad, both on and off the pitch.





On the other side of the coin, the time away also gives the Rams’ players a chance to find out more about the coaching staff.





Powell explained: “We’re getting to know the players all the time and likewise we are getting to know them and how Nigel operates.







“We are slowly but surely just drip-feeding into training and our talks how we work and what we want from them.





“We will be training twice a day, doing sessions with individuals and as units. As a coaching staff we will try and lend all our experience but the work will come from the top, from Nigel Pearson.”





Richard Keogh, Jeff Hendrick, Cyrus Christie (Republic of Ireland) and Chris Baird (Northern Ireland) won’t be on today’s flight to Portugal as they are yet to report back for pre-season training.





After being on international duty until towards the end of June at the 2016 European Championships, the players were told they would not have to resume training until later this month.





“It’s a shame we couldn’t get them there – but their international exploits were great for them,”he said.





“They were away training while we were resting in May and June so it is only right that they rest and recuperate.





“We discussed them potentially coming to Portugal but we felt it was better for them to be ready to go when we get back to the Training Centre.





“We know that those players will be ready to get going because everyone wants to have a chance of playing against Brighton on the opening day of the season.”





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