Looking forward to taking on Leverkusen
Mark Fotheringham doesn’t mess around. After a speech from Felix Magath at the start of the training session, the assistant got his players straight into a passing drill before there was chance to do a lengthy warm-up. The 38-year-old demonstrated how the drill was done and then the players got started, each getting a feel for the ball and playing passes. The intensity was there straight away, and Fotheringham’s booming voice could be heard across the Schenckendorffplatz. “You’re doing really well lads, keep it up!” shouted the Scot.
Apart from the players on international duty and Nsona, everyone is available – Schwolow trains individually
The Scot was full of praise throughout the 75-minute session as the 15 players and three goalkeepers trained enthusiastically and intensively. Alexander Schwolow was present but was only able to complete an individual session due to a minor muscular problem. Except for the ten players away on international duty and Kélian Nsona, who is in rehabilitative training, all players were involved in the session. After the passing drill, the session focussed on game-like situations with a limited amount of touches, first with cones and then in the full-sized goals. There were plenty of full-blooded tackles, booming commands and offensive play on show. “We’ve worked really well over the last week or so and we were able to seamlessly build on that on Monday. We’re building a lot of momentum,” said Marco Richter.
Training camp in East Westphalia
Team training is set to continue in East Westphalia this week, as the lads complete a four-day programme before setting off to Leverkusen on Friday ahead of Saturday’s league fixture (2/4, 15:30 CEST). “Our complete focus is on Saturday’s game, and we’re looking forward to taking on Leverkusen. In the next few days we’re going to get ourselves prepared so we have the best chance of getting something from the game,” commented Vladimír Darida. Even though they’re training away from the capital, you can be sure Magath, Fotheringham & Co. won’t want to waste any time during this week’s sessions.