San Francisco 49ers coach discusses adapting to timing ahead of NFL game in Melbourne
In Melbourne, Australia, the San Francisco 49ers are preparing for the NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Friday's game at the 100,000-seat Melbourne Cricket Ground will be the first NFL regular-season game in Australia, Channel NewsAsia reports.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that after the long flight, it has not been easy for the team to adjust to the time difference. According to him, when he checks the time for his family in the United States, it is still the previous day there, so he feels as though he is in the future.
Shanahan also said that at first, it was not easy for the team to get used to the idea of opening the season in Australia. However, after arriving, the players are looking forward to the game, he said.
Preparing for a morning game
The 49ers arrived in Australia a week before the game to acclimatize. The team is training in the morning Australian time as it prepares for kickoff at 10:35 local time, or 00:35 GMT.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
After consultations with sleep and nutrition specialists, the players received detailed recommendations for adapting. Running back Christian McCaffrey said the players were given instructions on supplements, sleep schedules, and the times when they should stay awake or go to rest.
The Rams' approach
The Los Angeles Rams, who will formally be the home team, chose a different strategy. The team plans to arrive in Melbourne only a day before the game and maintain its sleep and training routine as if preparing for a regular game at 17:35 California time.
Some 49ers players have already visited the stadium during an Australian Football League playoff game between the Geelong Cats and the Carlton Blues, attended by 96,680 spectators. McCaffrey noted that the team will have to adapt to the large oval field and the arena's features, including the placement of game clocks and the ability to hear calls and signals during the game.
The Melbourne game is part of the NFL's record program of nine international games.
