Due to his involvement with Poland at U21 level at the European Championships during the summer Sunderland goalkeeper Max Stryjek hasn’t had much of a summer break.
However, the Pole isn’t concerned by this as he’s delighted to be involved in pre-season training and isn’t bothered about only having four days off as he was doing something he loved with his national side in his homeland.
Stryjek told the Official Website: ‘It`s a really good feeling to be back with the lads; I didn`t have much of a break as I was away with the national team but that`s fine with me as I was doing what I love to do!’
Currently working with the development team, which has accompanied the first team to Austria for pre-season, working with goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker and senior keepers Vito Mannone and Mika, Stryjek is enjoying this chance – even if he hasn’t the running.
‘I`m really motivated ahead of the new season and I`ve been giving my best in the sessions. The sessions have been really tough – there`s been lots of running and I hate running, I`m a goalkeeper! But that`s what pre-season is all about, to have you getting fitter and stronger.’
The departure of Jordan Pickford for Everton has created an opening at the Stadium of Light, which could potentially be filled by Stryjek? Then again he admits as much as he has first team aspirations he might need to get this experience away from Sunderland on loan.
He said: ‘I have set myself lots of goals for the upcoming season; but I appreciate I have to be realistic with them. I`m hoping to be around the first team a lot more this season or if I need to get more experience maybe a short-term loan move would help with that.’
But he would love to play a part with the first team in pre-season.
‘There`s lots of pre-season games this year and I`d love to get a chance to be involved in the games in Scotland next week. I`d love any chance to play and spend more time with the first team.’
