Young stopper Max Stryjek has had a whirlwind close-season after hooking up with the Poland under-21 team at the end of last term.
The 20 year-old was back with Sunderland after only four days break, but admits he couldn’t be happier that the summer went by so quickly for him.
“It’s a really good feeling to be back with the lads; I didn’t have much of a break as I was away with the national team but that’s fine with me as I was doing what I love to do!”
Stryjek has been doing a lot of work in Austria, including sessions with the development team and some with goalkeeping coach Adrian Tucker and senior stoppers Vito Mannone and Mika, something that’s really pleased him.
“I’m really motivated ahead of the new season and I’ve been giving my best in the sessions,” the stopper smiled, before revealing there has been something he hasn’t enjoyed!
“The sessions have been really tough – there’s been lots of running and I hate running, I’m a goalkeeper! But that’s what pre-season is all about, to have you getting fitter and stronger.”
Stryjek is keen to build on an impressive season with the under-23s last term, that saw them reach the Premier League International Cup final, where his heroics between the sticks played a big part.
“I have set myself lots of goals for the upcoming season; but I appreciate I have to be realistic with them.
“I’m hoping to be around the first team a lot more this season or if I need to get more experience maybe a short-term loan move would help with that.”
With the games coming thick and fast over the coming weeks the stopper is hoping he will get his opportunity to play a part in the preparations for Sunderland’s 2017-18 campaign.
“There’s lots of pre-season games this year and I’d love to get a chance to be involved in the games in Scotland next week. I’d love any chance to play and spend more time with the first team.”