Dan Bachmann has been impressed by the early work of Vladimir Ivić and has summed up the determination within the squad to right the wrongs of last season by bouncing straight back up.
Ivić, the 43-year-old Serbian, took charge of training on Monday for the first time since becoming the club's new Head Coach and has been getting his coaching philosophy across in a series of double sessions at the base in London Colney this week.
“He's very, very hands on, very involved,” said Bachmann, the Austrian goalkeeper. “He knows what he wants to do, which is positive for us players as we are in no doubt as to what he wants. It's only four or five days in but we are enjoying the sessions. It's slightly different to how things were before but every manager has their own style and the lads are enjoying the sessions.
“He's very serious on the training field, but that's how you should be. Troy got a nice smile out of him yesterday, but the gaffer seems to know when to have fun and a little laugh and when it's time to be serious.”
Bachmann stressed the players have not forgotten about a season that ended in the bitter disappointment of relegation from the Premier League, but that it's important there is no hangover and the focus quickly shifts to hitting the ground running ahead of a demanding 46-game Championship season.
“It's great to be back,” he said. “The first few days have been tough but that's always expected. It's been very good and all the lads are happy to be back. We just want to get started and make up for last season. You do think about things and what could have been, but, at the end of the day, you've got to get over it as soon as possible, as quick as you can. We are back in now and we can't think about last season. We are focussed already on that first game of the season and getting straight back up.
“The vibe is good, everyone is pleased to be back and buzzing to be back training and playing football again. Everyone is looking sharp already and that will only increase. We need it as there are a lot of games, especially in that run from October to December. But it's up to us to make up for last season and be as positive as we can be and win as many games as we can.”
Bachmann signed from Stoke City in the summer of 2017 and is eyeing this season as a potential breakthrough one, particularly after making his debut for the club last season against Tranmere.
“I'm here for the long term and hopefully I'll get as much game time as possible,” he said. “I want to help the team get back to where it should be. I'm definitely ready to play. I've had to wait a long time, but that's what football is like. I've been patient, I've worked hard in training and now I'm ready to play.”
