Jones: Momentum Starts On Tour

As the Reds settle in to Tour 2015, presented by Aon, following the squad's arrival in the United States on Monday, Manchester United defender Phil Jones gives us an insight into the team's preparations for the new season, on and off the pitch...

What springs to mind when someone says pre-season to you?
Hard work and graft! [Smiles].

From a player's perspective, what does a good pre-season involve?
I think you want to come off the back of pre-season knowing that you feel fit because we know how quick the pace of the Premier League is and the quicker we get up to that level, the better.

How important is it to have a good base level of fitness going into the new campaign?
Very important. You get a good momentum from pre-season, especially if you have a strong one with a few games under your belt and all the training that has gone with it. It stands you in great stead for the season.

How tough can pre-season be?
Very tough!

What specific things are you working on as a group and what do you personally work on when you come back for pre-season?
The start of a pre-season is more fitness-based and as you progress through it and are building up to the start of the season that’s when you start working more on the technical side of the game and tactics. You work on everything, like your passing and all the things you would associate with your game that you’ll need during the season.

How important are the tours for new players settling in and younger lads trying to make an impression on the manager?
That was definitely the case for me. I remember when all the lads were walking in on my first day, I was in awe and in shock! [Smiles] I didn’t know whether to shake hands, sit down, stand up… but they all made me feel welcome and it’s a great way to meet your new team-mates. It helps create a good bond from the start.

As one of the more experienced squad members now, how do you go about helping the younger players on tour?
The young lads that have been on tour since I’ve been at the club have done really well. They’ve not been shy, they’ve stood up for themselves, trained well and wanted to impress and show the manager that they’re capable of stepping up if he needs them. I think that’s always been the case at this club and it always will be.

How would describe the facilities in the States?
Everywhere we’ve been before they’ve always had fantastic facilities. We trained at some spectacular stadiums and training facilities. It’s great to experience that.

How would you describe the support the team get from fans in the States?
It’s always incredible, absolutely incredible. The amount of fans that pile into the stadiums just to watch friendly games is amazing. It just goes to show how much the game has grown in the States and it’s only going to get bigger and better.