Monk Predicts Exciting Times With Sousa

Skipper Gary Monk has been impressed with Paulo Sousa after training with him for the first time.

Monk and the rest of the squad have had their first training sessions this week with Paulo Sousa and assistant Bruno Oliveira and they will now jet off to Portugal for a 7-day training camp.

Paulo Sousa has been doing a lot of work on positioning with players and working out different formations that would suit the squad the best.

Monk told Wales Online that he and the rest of the squad have been impressed so far with the new boss:

"We`ve had a good week with the new boss and everyone`s very excited about what`s to come,"

"He had a great knowledge about the individual players and had clearly been doing his home work.

"Already the emphasis seems to be in terms of wanting to play football. He seems to be going in there and tweaking a few things and looking at different formations.

"In many ways he and Roberto are similar. They are both very nice people and have similar philosophies about the game.

"I think Paulo is looking to build on the good things Roberto did.

"I do believe he is capable of taking things to the next level for us and it should be an exciting season."

"I trained for the first time and things were fine for me. The surgery went well and I`m ready for the new season."

Monk also mentioned team-mate Ferrie Bodde, who has set his sights on a move to a Premiership club.

There was controversy surrounding the Dutchman last Monday when he ignored Sousa's requests to return from Holland and attend training on Monday.

The midfielder responded and said there was a simple misunderstanding with the club and it was agreed he'd be back on Wednesday.

Monk added:

"I`ve not spoken to Ferrie about his situation, but if he has his views set on going to the Premiership then he has to do what seems right for him,"

"We would like to keep him, he has been a great player for us. But it is the sort of situation which needs to be sorted out either way otherwise you have a lot of uncertainly and that is not good for anyone."

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