- Timothy Castagne speaks to LCFC TV while on pre-season in Évian
- Leicester City are in the French Alps through the week
- The Belgium full-back is feeling sharp after a short summer break
Just over three weeks separate the Foxes from their opening Premier League match against Brentford at King Power Stadium. The countdown to 2022/23 is well underway, as are Leicester’s preparations.
Castagne, fresh into the group this week, has accompanied his City team-mates this week in Évian-les-Bains, where an intense training camp continues to test Brendan Rodgers’ hard-working Foxes.
“It's good, it’s great to touch the ball and get some runs, so it feels good,” said Castagne after he got the ball at his feet for the first time this pre-season.
“It’s good weather as well, so we can’t ask for more. That’s what pre-season is about, you get used to running and it’s always in the sun, so we’re used to it.
“It feels great, we had three weeks after the national team, so it’s great also to get some time off and enjoy it with the family, but we’re back to business – that’s good.
“In three weeks, you don’t lose that much, especially if you keep busy during the three weeks, so yes – we didn’t lose too much fitness.”
City have a healthy contingent of stars out in the French Alps. Many are used to the throws of pre-season, including Castagne, while others are on their maiden trip with the first team squad.
The No.27: “It’s better, we’ve now almost three squads with some young lads, so I think you can make two great teams, which is good. You can play 11-a-side and work on the tactics as well, and play competitively, so that’s great for us.”
Away from the rigours of on-pitch effort, Castagne explained what he’s got planned for his downtime: “ I’ll try to relax and rest, and then I’ll enjoy a bit with the boys, the Belgium boys I think.
“You have to build a strong connection off the pitch as well, because then you’re going to play more for each other on the pitch. It’s very important.”
The Foxes are working towards several targets, one of which is to produce a strong performance against OH Leuven at King Power at Den Dreef Stadion on Saturday (1pm BST kick-off).
“It’s good to play back in Belgium,” Castagne said. “I’ve never played against Leuven, but I’ve played at the stadium with the national team. It’s going to be nice to see the family as well.
“It’s going to be great, training is already nice but as a player, you want to play some games, and even if it’s friendly, you want to play and enjoy.”