Back on the training ground!

Berlin - Hertha BSC are back on the training ground! The first team stepped foot onto the pitch at the Schenckendorffplatz for the first time in three weeks on Monday (06.04.20). After a player tested positive for coronavirus, the Blue-Whites were forced to quarantine themselves at home for two weeks. The players were given stationary bikes and workouts to keep themselves fit at home. This past week, the players also went on individual runs outdoors. Now, they’ve returned to the pitch at the Schenckendorffplatz, but their first training session in weeks was anything other than ordinary. 

Back on the ball, but no tackling allowed

Instead of training as a team, the players worked on their conditioning in small groups with staggered start times behind closed doors. Jordan Torunarigha, Per Skjelbred and Co. were finally able to get some touches on the ball under clear skies and the watchful eye of fitness coach Henrik Kuchno. However, the session took place with no tackles and no body contact, all while following the strict restrictions laid out in light of the coronavirus. As a result, the groups trained in staggered time slots and contact between them was kept to a minimum. Following the session, the players went home to shower, instead of doing so in the dressing rooms as would usually be the case. It was under these unusual conditions that the club is slowly working its way back to team training and a return to normal. All upcoming training sessions will continue to take place behind closed doors.

“Above all, the lads were happy to have a ball back at their feet once again,” said Kuchno. “This week we are focusing on conditioning, both with and without the ball. We will up the workload and the intensity as the week goes on. We’re keeping a close eye on the data we collect from the lads during training, as well as on making sure that we adhere to the rules regarding hygiene and personal contact.”