Bailey Wright has certainly put in some miles since the Championship season has ended as he’s spent time in Australia and Russia during the offseason due to his international commitments.
He’s now back in pre-season with Bristol City having joined up with the squad in Tenerife.
Australia for a World Cup qualifier with Saudi Arabia was followed by a friendly with Brazil, allowing him time in his hometown of Melbourne. Wright was then off to the Confederations Cup, which saw him feature in all three games against Cameroon, Chile and Germany in Russia.
Wright told the Official Website he would have hope for Australia, who he thought deserved more, to do better in the Confederations Cup but is now already looking ahead to clinching a potential place in the World Cup finals.
‘I managed to spend a couple of days with my family in Melbourne when the season finished but then I was straight back to it. I felt we (Australia) deserved more from our games but it was a great experience to play against top teams in a fantastic tournament.’
Adding: ‘It would have been nice to have done better in the Confederations Cup. Some of our performances were good, some not so good, but it was a fantastic experience. We now have two important games against Japan and Thailand in the next international break and if we win them, we qualify for the World Cup. That`s what we are trying to achieve – it`s where every footballer wants to be.’
Lee Johnson agreed to Wright having a break after international duty to allow him to rest up and recharge his batteries.
He said: ‘I spoke with the gaffer and he was happy for me to have some extra time off because it was a busy summer I went to Melbourne with the family and got away with the missus, which gave me the chance to recharge my batteries and now I`m ready to go again.’
Despite numerous flights, most of them long haul journeys too, Wright went on to say he feels ‘well rested’ and is ready for pre-season with it good to be back with the squad who already ‘look very sharp’ and ready for the upcoming campaign.
‘I think the flight to Tenerife was my 23rd or 24th this summer, and a lot of them were 13 hour stints. It`s a lot of flying but I`m used to it. I feel well rested. I want to be back on the pitch now and be with the boys. Coming away to Tenerife is a perfect way for us to prepare as we will have some good sessions and get fitness under our belts. It`s nice to be back and it`s come at the right time. The boys look sharp and everyone is enjoying being back. We all look fit and the sessions are of a great standard.’
Wright finished by saying the season can’t come soon enough.
‘The sooner August 5th comes the better. Everyone is looking forward to it. Pre-season is difficult but you`re doing it for the season. Barnsley will be a good way to start the league and hopefully we can get off to a good start.’
