--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T18:54:36.682Z last_updated: 2026-07-16T04:42:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/bristol-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJpc3RvbHBvc3QuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9icmlzdG9sLWNpdHlzLXNwYWluLXRyYWluaW5nLWNhbXAtMTEwNjExOTU --- # Bristol City's Spain training camp 'no holiday' as squad 'here to work' - **Source:** - **Published:** 16 Jul - **Club:** Bristol City - **Original URL:** https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-citys-spain-training-camp-11061195 The Robins are spending this week at their training base near Alicante and Skubala is using the intense week of training to lay down his non-negotiable standards and bond a heavily reshaped squad. Speaking to Bristol City's media in Spain, Skubala said that the trip is all about building togetherness and working hard which will pay off later in the season. And while it is a trip to sunny Spain, it is definitely not a holiday for the Robins. "It’s really important this week that we’re cohesive," Skubala said. "We try and build this group as a togetherness, but also we have to work them hard out here in the heat. "It's not for me a trip where we're on holiday. It's a trip where we have to work because I think in the deepest depths of the season, if we've built a really cohesive team here and we've done some bonding... it adds up. When it adds up, like I say, in the deepest depths of the season, it pays off. It's a really important week for us." All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Robins, delivered straight to your inbox. It's completely free and you can sign up HERE "We've had quite a few new signings in," Skubala addeed, with this being the first chance for Sam Tickle, Sam Greenwood, Jed Wallace, Lisav Eissat, Gibson Yah and Brad Collins having arrived. "This is probably the first week where all of those new signings are training together. So when you do bring in four or five, or how many we've brought in, it's integration and cohesion. Not only is it important off the pitch for the dressing room, but it's on the pitch as well. We've got lots of work to do on that this week. "That's the reality. We're here to work. We're here to bond. We're here to have a good time and build a cohesion in this team that that steps, you know, when we start the season, we're ready. We keep driving them. You know, I said to the lads yesterday in the meeting, this is we're here to push you physically because I know it's hot, but it's hot also in the World Cup, but it's our job to push it. "So, the reason I think we come out to these places is not for the holidays, not to enjoy it. We of course we enjoy our football, of course, but we're privileged to be able to do this, but if we push in the heat, it can add miles in the tank and it can help us a lot." There are also a select group of academy prospects have traveled with the first team, getting a harsh taste of senior football's physical demands under the new manager, but the head coach said that the experience is vital for their development. "Today has been double sessions for them, hard in the heat, but I love the young players," Skubala said. "I always think young players can surprise you if you give them an opportunity. "But they have to push as well. The standards and the physicality of the senior boys, the young players will feel it. Even today in the second session, you can see them feeling it, which is part of their journey. They have to come and feel it. But yeah, they've been great so far." Join Bristol City Live's Whatsapp community for all the biggest Bristol City stories sent straight to your phone Bristol City Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community. Through the app, we’ll send the Bristol City news, live match coverage, team news, transfers, fixtures, analysis and more straight to your phone. To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live team. We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out at any time you like. To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Click here to join our WhatsApp community.