Getting the call to represent your country is the pinnacle in professional sports. Getting the call for the first time is unforgettable.
For Impact defender Maxim Tissot, his recent selection to the Canadian Men’s National team is his first and thanks to the Academy product, fans will get an inside look into his first ever national team experience as he periodically writes a short journal marking his experience for Impact Media as he trains with the group to ultimately take on Panama in a friendly on Tuesday, November 18.
Tuesday, November 19 - Game day
We had most of the weekend off. On Saturday, we took part in a regeneration sessions and then we spent the rest of the day relaxing. I’ve seen a lot of progress from the start of camp until now and we will use all we’ve worked on in tonight’s game (Sportsnet One, Sportsnet World - Coverage begins at 7:45 pm ET).
I’m getting to know the guys and the coach better. It’s interesting to learn from a different coach and different players. After a few training sessions, I fell I’m starting to adapt to this system a little better.
Until next time,
- Max
Get to know the guys a little better in a report from yesterday:
Sunday, November 16 – Day 7
We had an intrasquad game in training on Friday, playing 30 minutes halves. I played left back because there are a couple of injuries in camp, and as a result, the game was 9 v. 9. My side won 2-1.
Playing left back was a bit different and I had to adjust despite having played there for much of my career, especially since the coaching staff asks for certain things from their full backs. We had the rest of the day off and most of the guys caught the Orlando Magic vs the Milwaukee Bucks NBA basketball game. We had a good time.
Thursday, November 13 - Day 4
We had one training session today. It was longer than the others. We worked on crossing and finishing for the first part and then played a game.
I'm starting to understand more and more what they are asking of me and I’m getting more comfortable within the group.
It’s been a tough week physically, the legs were a little tired over the last few days, so for the rest of the day I relaxed, caught up on some sleep and spent some time in the jacuzzi.
Wednesday, November 12 - Day 3
We had two sessions again today. It feels a little like preseason for me, as we were on the field a lot in order to get ready for the start of the MLS season. The legs are feeling pretty heavy and tired, but on an emotional level, it feels pretty good.
We played again during the second session today and Karl and I ended up on the same side of the pitch. He was playing as left back and I was playing as the outside midfielder. It helped to have someone you know on the pitch behind you. I am familiar with the way he plays and he knows me as well. There was a comfort level there.
Until next time,
- Max
Tuesday, November 11 - Day 2
We had two training sessions today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We worked on pressing in the first session. The second training was an attempt to apply those pressing principles into a scrimmage.
It was a tough day for me. I’m still trying to adjust to the coach’s tactics (Benito Floro) and what he’s looking for both individually and collectively.
He runs tough practices, but they are a lot of fun. We play a lot. His (Floro) way of coaching is very old school. He likes to correct things that weren’t done well from previous games in training, so now we are working on what he felt we didn’t do so well against Colombia.
Until next time,
- Max
Monday, November 10, 2014
We travelled to Orlando yesterday (Sunday) and took part in our first training session as a group today. The training session was pretty light as it was our first day, but I had the chance to meet all the guys and the staff with the Canadian Men’s National team.
Despite the light session, training went well. I haven’t had a real chance to speak to the coach (Benito Floro) yet, but the coaching staff has decided to use me as a left winger/midfielder. Putting on the red jersey felt a little weird, because of the colour of course, but it was a great feeling knowing it was for Canada.
We had the night off so Issey (Nakajima-Farran), Patrice (Bernier), Kenny (Stamatopolous), Karl (W. Ouimette) and I went to the movies to watch "Interstellar".
We have two practices tomorrow, so things should get a little more intense.
Until next time
- Max
