- Head coach pleased with fitness progress
- Gray takes positive from 2-1 defeat
- Wednesday edged out by FC Arsenal Tula
- Owls contingent return to UK on Thursday
Stuart Gray focused on the added fitness of his players following Wednesday night’s friendly clash with FC Arsenal Tula in Maribor.
The Russian top-flight team emerged 2-1 winners and although, naturally, Gray would have taken a third win in three, he placed the emphasis on the physical benefits.
He told swfc.co.uk: “You want to keep the winning mentality, of course you do, but the fitness of the players always comes first.
“Tonight’s game was another good workout against a European side who play a different kind of football.
“But we adapted well, we kept the ball well and should have won in all honesty.
“But I am happy with the way the fitness of the lads is progressing.
“FC Arsenal Tula were a week in front of us in terms of pre-season training and that gave them an edge.
“There were a few tackles flying around as well but you can get that sometimes with pre-season games.”
All in all, Gray had nothing but praise for the Slovenian experience as the Owls look towards the big Championship kick-off at Brighton on 9 August.
He said: “We’ve had the benefits of an excellent facility and enjoyed it. The warm weather training is good for the players at this stage of pre-season.
“There’s a great bond about this group, the spirit is high and I think the supporters who were around the camp could see that.
“I would like to say thanks to all the fans who followed us in Slovenia and I hope they enjoyed the experience as we did.”
VISIT WEDNESDAY PLAYER TO SEE STUART GRAY'S POST-MATCH THOUGHTS IN FULL.