Murray sheds light on Vallverdu and Green departures

Andy Murray is in Perth preparing for this month's Australian Open Getty Images

Andy Murray has shed light on the tensions that were behind the departure of two key members of his coaching team last year.

The British No.1 parted ways with hitting partner Dani Vallverdu and fitness coach Jez Green in November, citing the need for change ahead of his off-season training schedule.

However, speaking to the Independent, Murray has revealed more on the decision to let go of the two long-standing team-members, saying that he needed his coaching staff to rediscover a common goal.

"The most important point in any team is that everyone has the same vision, everyone wants to move forward together," Murray said. "I feel that's what I have now. Maybe the last four or five months of last year it wasn't like that. It's not as much fun travelling when that's the case. If everyone isn't right into it, that isn't how you want to work."

Signs of disquiet in the Murray camp first surfaced at Wimbledon last summer after the appointment of head coach Amelie Mauresmo, with Vallverdu and Green apparently unhappy at not being fully informed of the news beforehand.

Parting company with Vallverdu was particularly difficult, given their close friendship since meeting as youngsters at the Sanchez-Casal Academy in Spain more than a decade ago.

"He was the coach responsible for my training and all my practices at all of the tournaments," Murray said. "Maybe it didn't go as well as either of us would have liked and that's why I felt like I needed someone else. For him to get the opportunity to work with someone like [Tomas] Berdych is fantastic. He's obviously a top player and it will be a good challenge for him."

Murray, who is in Perth preparing for this month's Australian Open, also revealed he has started working regularly with a sports psychologist, although he was undecided as to whether they would become a full-time member of his new staff.

"I've been working with someone for a number of months now," he said. "I don't know if I feel like I need to travel with [a psychologist], but it's not something I'm closed-minded about."

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Murray sheds light on Vallverdu and Green departures