Feyenoord, the renowned Dutch football club, has kicked off its winter training camp today, January 2, 2025, heading to the sunny surroundings of Marbella, Spain. Under the guidance of trainer Brian Priske, the players and coaching staff are set to invigorate their game until January 7, 2025, as they gear up for the second half of the season.
Gathering early at training complex 1908, the squad exchanged wishes for the New Year before making their way to the Rotterdam The Hague Airport. From there, they flew to Málaga, with the final leg to Marbella completed by bus. While the majority of the team traveled together, several players opted for an early start, having trained independently during the festive season. Notably, Calvin Stengs, Quilindschy Hartman, Jeyland Mitchell, and Julián Carranza took advantage of the mild Spanish winter to keep fit.
During their training camp, the Feyenoord squad will engage in multiple training sessions to sharpen their skills and teamwork. A highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the private exhibition match scheduled against German club Fortuna Düsseldorf on January 6, set to kick off at 14:00. This two-hour friendly will be contested over 120 minutes, structured as two halves of 45 minutes followed by one additional 30-minute session. Fans can catch the action live and exclusively on Feyenoord ONE, adding anticipation to this mid-winter clash.
Despite the allure of Marbella, not all Eredivisie clubs have chosen the sunny Spanish coast for their winter breaks. Clubs like Go Ahead Eagles and RKC have opted for Estepona, and others have selected cities across Spain, like Alicante and Valencia. Compared to previous seasons, there is now less appetite for distant training destinations, as many clubs opt for logistics and budgets more aligned with shorter winter breaks, influenced by the calendar of European tournaments.
Indeed, Feyenoord's schedule does not allow for much downtime. Soon after returning from Marbella, the club will play important fixtures, including their first matches back from the winter break. With Champions League games on January 21 and 22 lined up, the training sessions and friendly will be pivotal for building the right form.
Travel and training logistics are always complex for professional teams. Trainer Brian Priske has emphasized the importance of conditioning and preparation during this period, stating, "It is about getting the players fit and ready mentally and physically for the challenging weeks ahead."
The decision to train abroad is partly motivated by the need for optimal conditions during winter, and Marbella, with its sunny skies and excellent facilities, provides the perfect backdrop. The team's early gathering illustrated their cohesive spirit and commitment to achieving their goals after the traditional winter break.
Feyenoord's presence on the pitch is not just about physical training, but also about nurturing team dynamics and individual player development. Training under the Spanish sun allows for focused sessions free from the distractions often present at home. Players are enthusiastic about blending hard work with recovery, making the most of their time before the competitive season resumes.
While Feyenoord expects to come back stronger, it's worth noting the changing trend for Dutch clubs during these winter breaks. The past saw numerous teams making extended trips abroad, venturing as far as the Middle East and even South America. Nowadays, with the condensed winter schedule, many clubs are choosing to stay closer to home or head to regions within Europe.
With the upcoming exhibition match against Fortuna Düsseldorf, expectations are high. During these matches, coaches often get the opportunity to evaluate players’ performances outside the regular season's pressure. It’s also a chance for players to showcase their skills and laying down markers for inclusion once competitive fixtures return.
The winter training camp not only reinforces on-pitch skills but also strengthens off-pitch camaraderie. The bonds formed during such trips linger long after the team returns to regular training routines.
Once the marquee match against Fortuna Düsseldorf concludes, Feyenoord will swiftly transition back to league matches. The club's fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as their team implements lessons learned during this valuable training period.
Overall, Feyenoord’s choice to spend this winter period refining their tactics and strengthening their squad cohesion is commendable. Fans are optimistic about how these preparations will pay off, especially as the stakes get higher in the Dutch Eredivisie and on the European stage.
With their ambition clear, Feyenoord is ready to embrace this winter training camp, showcasing resilience, determination, and the collective spirit of their team as they march toward their goals for this season.