Uzbekistan forward Igor Sergeev says the national team are going through a demanding fitness block under Fabio Cannavaro as preparations continue for the World Cup.
The Persepolis striker spoke to the media before a training session and said the coaching staff are currently focusing heavily on the players’ physical condition.
“We are being given serious workloads now. All the guys are in good shape. Of course, footballers do not really like running and strength work, but it is necessary. Right now, the coaching staff are focusing on fitness,” Sergeev said.
Uzbekistan are also preparing for friendly matches against Canada and the Netherlands. Sergeev believes those games will give the team an important test before the World Cup.
“It is great that we have the chance to play opponents of this level. Before the World Cup, we will be able to test ourselves. It will be a good rehearsal. It is better to feel that level in friendly matches before the tournament, rather than only at the World Cup itself,” he said.
Sergeev also spoke about his own condition after two months without official match practice. Before the start of the national team camp, he worked individually with coaches.
“Before the official camp began, we trained individually. The workload was serious. Of course, fitness work and real match practice are different things, but we built a good base,” the forward said.
According to Sergeev, the team will use matches during the camp to regain rhythm. Uzbekistan have already played Surkhon and are expected to face Neftchi next. A training match around May 22 is also being considered, although it has not yet been officially confirmed.
The forward also discussed the conditions in Mexico, where Uzbekistan will play their opening World Cup match. Mexico City is located around 2,240 metres above sea level, and the climate may become an additional factor for the team.
“Whatever country you fly to, even if the climate is similar to Uzbekistan, the body still needs time to adapt. You cannot arrive and immediately be ready at one hundred percent. At first, it is always difficult,” Sergeev said.
He believes the timing of Uzbekistan’s arrival in Mexico and the final stage of preparation will be important.
“The earlier we arrive and the faster we adapt, the better it will be for the match. Medical support and proper recovery will also be important. It makes no sense to say that climate has no effect. Of course it does — somewhere more, somewhere less. But our opponents will be in the same conditions, so everyone will be equal,” Sergeev added.