Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the positive mood in training as the first-team squad make the most of the international break with hard work at Chadwell Heath.
Although a number of players are away with their countries, those left behind are fully focused on building on the club's good start that has seen the team in sixth place even after the 3-1 defeat by Bolton Wanderers last Sunday. "Morale is high," said Zola. "We know what can happen if you lose a game but that doesn't affect our confidence in what we are doing. We have the chance now to spend more time on the fitness levels which you can't do as well when you have matches.
"The only problem is we have a lot of players out with their national teams so there would have been a good occasion to work with them. But it's OK as the atmosphere is good and I'm sure we're going to bounce back quickly." As well as double training with new fitness coach Antonio Pintus, the squad are taking part in special dietary and nutrition sessions this week and working with staff on dedicated weight and exercise programmes.
While all aspects of the players' fitness is being put under the spotlight, the manager has been delighted with the talent he has found at his disposal. With January in mind, he is thinking more about honing his squad rather than adding to it. In reiterating that he wants a manageable pool of players based on quality not quantity, he is also eager to incorporate the talent coming through the Academy. "I believe that young players should be given the chance to progress," he said.
Zola, who has been assured recent events in the financial markets will have no impact on his plans, added: "I am more than happy with the squad I have got and when I have the injured players back it will be too big for what we need. Right now, we don't need any more as we have lots of top players already and my task is to get the best out of them. I am happy with what I have got here and I want to get results with this squad. I am very pleased with my players and what they are giving me."
Craig Bellamy and James Collins are two of those players who have been sidelined but are now ready to return to the first-team picture. Zola is delighted they will get competitive action under their belt with Wales over the next week, when there may also be high-profile action for England's Matthew Upson. "It will be very good for them," he said. "I'm pleased for them that they have been called by the national team and I know that playing for your country is an important thing."
Zola is continuing to run the rule over out of contract Spain striker Diego Tristan. He could provide key competition for Carlton Cole in a forward line also boasting Bellamy, David Di Michele, Freddie Sears and Matthew Etherington. "He is staying with us this week and then we will make a decision," said Zola. "He's working very well and we're pleased with him. He could be a good alternative. He's got a lot of experience; he's got skills so he can do well as long as he gets fit."
Although the focus is on fitness, Zola is also thinking ahead to the trip to Hull City on Sunday week which would see the club go above the team in third place with a second straight away win. "We are going to play against a team that is doing very well," Zola added. "We feel we are owed something after the last game and maybe that will be the time we get that back. We are looking forward to it."