West Brom’s Rodriguez enjoying Austria despite intensive fitness schedule

Newly signed Jay Rodriguez may be cursing the difficulty of the pre-season fitness work required at his new club West Bromwich Albion but at least he was able to enjoy the Austrian scenery.

West Brom are looking at three sessions a day during their eight-day trip to mainland Europe as Tony Pulis ramps up the fitness work ahead of the new season.

Rodriguez was signed by the Baggies for around £12m from Southampton, having struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and has fitted in well with his new group.

“It can always be a worry when you join a new group but every single one of the lads has made me feel welcome and I appreciate that,” he said.

“We’ve got a great bunch here and I’m looking forward to getting to know them even better.

“This is what pre-season is all about – getting fit and preparing yourself for the season ahead.

(Photo credit: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)

“The hills and our training schedule test your character. It’s a mental and a physical challenge, so there’s no time to ease off. We know the rewards will come later.

“The views, the facilities and the hotel are fantastic. It’s a lovely place to be, even if you don’t appreciate it when you’re running up those hills.

“You only recognise how amazing everything is on your way back down.”