Tipsport Malta Cup: Florent Poulolo enjoys the heat and natural grass

This is the second time he has taken part, last year as an interesting exotic reinforcement for six months, this year as a permanent member of the Haná club’s squad. Although he did not personally participate in the opening 3:0 win over Danish Aalborg, he did not score a minute.

“But it doesn’t matter, it’s important that we gain fitness and confidence as a team,” he says, looking first and foremost to the benefit of the team.

He sees preparation in general as essential for a successful spring. “We have to work hard so that we can make the most of everything. What we pick up now, we will draw from,” he is aware of the football priorities.

He is very happy that part of the winter workload takes place in Malta. “It’s warm here, we breathe the sea air, it’s just great,” he enthuses.

Most of all, however, he is delighted that he is playing and training on natural grass, the surfaces are immaculately prepared. “I don’t like artificial grass, it’s completely different, my legs suffer, my muscles, everything,” he points out.

He knows well that clubs from the southern part of Europe, France (Lorient) or Italy have approved artificial turf for official matches, but he doesn’t feel at ease on it.