Frenchman just happy that the league’s back
PETALING JAYA: Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) French centreback Victor Nirennold is just getting used to the “strange” new training sessions. But he is remaining positive.
“The first day, we started light, and we did not immediately do straight running. We just wanted to get accustomed to the new training procedures,” said the 29-year-old Nirennold on his return to training last week.
“The regular workouts and training on the field are not the same. So, we have to go a little easy on the first day and then gradually increase the intensity.
“When I heard that training would be allowed, it was good news. And when I arrived at the UiTM Training Ground in Shah Alam, I only felt good vibes. We are all happy to be back.”
The 1.93m Nirennold, who featured in all four matches for UiTM before the league was suspended, said the current training methods were not conventional, but the atmosphere there made adapting easy.
UiTM, under coach Frank Bernhardt, are ninth in the league with four points. They lost 0-2 to Melaka and 1-2 to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) but bounced back by holding reigning FA Cup champions Kedah 1-1 and beating Police 3-1.
This year’s Super League will be contested over one round instead of two and there’s only seven matches left to decide the league champions.
Of the league that’s likely to resume in September, Nirennold said the next two months of training would be enough to prepare.
“In Europe, the pre-season is shorter, which is usually six weeks. In Asia, it is longer, so you will be 100% ready when the season starts.”
Whatever the circumstance, Nirennold is just grateful that football is returning slowly to Malaysia.
“As a player, you want to play as many games as you can. I am thankful the season could be back, whereas in some countries, the league has just been scrapped.”