David Storch gives verdict on Sheffield Wednesday European trip as he makes 'hard work' admission
David Storch spent time with the Sheffield Wednesday squad and staff on their tour of Hungary and Austria.
Sheffield Wednesday chairman David Storch has reflected positively on the club’s pre-season tour of Hungary and Austria, admitting he saw signs of progress as the start of the season fast approaches.
Wednesday brought their week-long stay overseas to an end on Saturday with a mammoth 140-minute workout against Stoke City. Despite losing 6-0, Wednesday competed well in the first half, producing some good combination play that left several supporters optimistic for the season ahead.
Owls manager Henrik Pedersen made wholesale changes at the halfway stage, meaning he fielded what was widely considered a weakened XI in the second half, mainly made up of youngsters.
Nevertheless, Wednesday ought to return to home soil confident that they are in a better position than when they flew out to Hungary last Sunday. They were joined on their tour by Storch, his son Michael, and other members of the Wednesday leadership team as the week progressed.
With the Owls' opening game of the campaign — a Carabao Cup first-round clash against Bolton Wanderers at Hillsborough — now just under a fortnight away, Storch is pleased with the progress Wednesday are making but has admitted that "more hard work" is still required.
"Fabulous week with Michael Storch, my wife Leslie, the Wednesday leaders, players, and support staff in Budapest & Vienna,” Storch posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page. “[The] staff did a great job organising, coaching staff building a great culture, players for working hard, committing to the process.
"The venue in Budapest was perfect for training and providing the right setting for the players to bond with one another as they prepare for the upcoming campaign. We saw a strong foundation taking place, great intensity on the pitch as the squad comes together.
"[I] believe good progress [is] being made while undeniably more hard work [lies] ahead. First cup game on August 8 will be a test, on and off the pitch as Hillsborough [is] reopening earlier than we had hoped/planned.
"Looking forward to the upcoming season with unbridled enthusiasm knowing that we are making great progress every day. Also look forward to seeing all who make the journey to London for game on August 15 and then seeing everyone at first home fixture on the eve of August 20."