JUST IN : John Mousinho unveils ‘mini pre-season’ masterplan as Portsmouth bid to raise levels

John Mousinho is planning a’mini pre-season’ to acquaint Pompey’s new signings with the club’s playing style.
With six acquisitions in the final 11 days of the transfer window, the Blues’ head coach is eager to work with his squad on the training pitch over the international break.

West Brom’s visit on September 15 marks Pompey’s next game, giving the coaching staff valuable time at their Hilsea headquarters to bring newcomers up to speed.
Since the pre-season training camp in Croatia, there have been ten new signings and four exits, including loan players.

He told The News, “There is a huge difference between the squad we took to Croatia and the one we have now.”

‘With some of the new lads that have arrived, we haven’t been able to do much training with them outside of game preparation. This phase is vital for tactical development; it’s like a little pre-season.Normally, you have players who are very familiar with the style of play, the system, and the way we conduct business. However, we have new players who aren’t used to it and haven’t got enough exposure.

There have been a lot of changes in recent weeks, and it’s absolutely vital that we bed in, so we have that.

Time to work on stuff for the next week or two.You’ll need a combination of patience and haste because we need to get up to speed soon. However, we’re coming back in here and have another game in a couple of weeks, so you’ve got to be on point.

‘Look at Andre (Dozzell), who has received a baptism of fire. After a couple of days of training, he’s right on the pitch against Leeds, but in terms of where we stand with players like that, we’re far ahead of some of the newcomers.

The international break will also allow Pompey’s injured players to get closer to making their comebacks.

Conor Shaughnessy, who has been nursing a calf ailment, is among those hoping to return to training, as are Jacob Farrell and Tom McIntyre.

Mousinho added: ‘That will tremendously boost the group when players return from injury in a few of weeks.

‘Conor should return for the West Brom game.’