Alouettes head coach Khari Jones is already excited about the tools he will have at his disposal this season.

“People are going to see great competitions in the next few days,” said Jones on Saturday, the eve of the opening of training camp in Trois-Rivières. We have a very good group of players with veterans and rookies who will try to make their mark. It's going to be exciting for us [...]. Our repechage went very well. We are very happy with our additions. Now all you have to do is put the pieces together to make it all work. We will have several high quality young people.

"There are going to be battles all over the field," he added with a smile. We lost a few players on defense and we have several good receivers. We're comfortable with returning veterans, but there's always room for new players to take their game to the next level."

Jones will insist on discipline from the first day of camp.

"It's important for me to let the players know why they are here," he said. We want a disciplined team that cares about the details. That's what I'm going to tell the players in my own way."

Ready for any eventuality

The threat of an impending labor dispute in the circuit doesn't seem to bother Khari Jones.

“It is possible [that the camp is disrupted], but we are ready for any eventuality, said the head coach […]. The players are professionals. When it's time to work, they're ready to do it."

In office since 2019, the conductor has weathered several storms. He believes everything is in place for success this season.

"I think the experience I've gained over the past two years will help me," Jones said. There were a lot of ups and downs. Now I know a little better how to handle different situations to make sure all the pieces are in place for success. For sure all the changes we've made recently in the coaching staff and in the roster are going to help me be a better coach."