Nigel Pearson says he is happy with how the opening days of Derby County’s pre-season tour of Portugal have unfolded.

Derby flew out to their training base in the Algarve on Wednesday for a week-long training camp.





The Under 21s and Under 18s are also in Portugal and, as part of the tour, the club will take part in the Algarve Football Cup against Vitoria Setubal (8:30pm tonight) and Benfica (8:30pm tomorrow).





Pearson’s side have already been able to get through plenty of work, taking in a double training session yesterday and an early-morning session today.





As well as being satisfied with the work that has been taking place on the training pitch, Pearson views the trip as an opportunity to ‘build relationships’ with his squad.





In addition to being fully prepared from a football perspective, Pearson also views the togetherness and unity as a key element ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.







He told Rams Player HD: “It has been good so far.





“It is very hot, obviously, but it’s chance to get to know people that little bit better and the players and staff are all together.





“It’s a good chance to get to know them not only as players but also as characters during trips like this.





“It’s important to know your players and likewise, for them to see what we are like as a group of staff.





“We have managed to get some really good work in so far. The players have applied themselves really well and have been receptive, as well as working hard.





“As well as that, there’s an element of building relationships with people and that’s an important factor if we are going to be a success this year.”





Pearson says Derby are avoiding training at peak times in the Portuguese sunshine.





Early morning and early evening sessions are planned throughout the tour, leaving the squad with time to recuperate and socialise together inbetween.





Derby’s manager says the heat has proved to be beneficial for doing more methodical and tactical work with his squad as work for the new season gathers pace, with the big kick-off against Brighton & Hove Albion just over three weeks away.





“We are starting earlier and training later; typically we are starting at 9am for a morning session and then around 6pm in the evenings,”he explained.







“That presents a bit of down-time during the day but it’s an opportunity for the players to develop their relationships together.





“You can’t overdo certain aspects of training in the hot conditions, for example it is 37 degrees today.





“The warmth however does lend itself to allow you to do some sessions that you wouldn’t perhaps normally do back at home, especially in terms of how long you do them.





“We did some set plays on Monday and it gives you time to be a bit more methodical as you’re not worried about the players getting too cold standing around.”





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