TSG take 20 first-team players to Westerburg training camp

The management agreed to split the squad into two groups. The decisive factor behind the split was a comprehensive analysis of last season. The second group will start their pre-season preparations with coach Sascha Koch on Monday, July 1st.

“Looking at the size of our squad, a split was necessary. It's the only way we can work purposefully and professionally,” said Markus Gisdol, who knows that it is “not an easy situation for the players training in the second group, but it is the only solution that dealt with the situation responsibly and fairly for all involved.”

Alexander Rosen, head of professional football at TSG: “Every player knows where they stand and can be sure that they will be granted the best possible training programme with us.”

The following players are included for the training camp in Westerburg (training group 1): David Abraham, Kevin Akpoguma (new signing from Karlsruher SC), Andreas Beck, Koen Casteels, Igor De Camargo, Jens Grahl, Vincenzo Grifo, Andreas Ludwig, Roberto Firmino, Sven Schipplock, Patrick Schorr, Tobias Strobl, Niklas Süle, Robin Szarka, Jeremy Toljan, Jannik Vestergaard, Ahmed Sassi, Kenan Karaman, Tim Paterok and Fabian Hürzeler (U23, new signing from FC Bayern).

The following players were involved in international matches and so won't join up with the squad until July 8th (training group 1): Sejad Salihovic, Fabian Johnson, Kevin Volland, Eugen Polanski, Stefan Thesker, Sebastian Rudy and Tarik Elyounoussi (new signing from Rosenborg BK). Players out injured for an unknown period of time: Boris Vukcevic.

The following players will be training in Hoffenheim from July 1st (training group 2): Eren Derdiyok, Matthieu Delpierre, Tobias Weis, Tim Wiese, Filip Malbasic, Edson Braafheid, Luis Advincula (from July 4th), Afriyie Acquah, Joselu and Matthias Jaissle. Coach: Sascha Koch.

The following players will be integrated into the U23s' training: Denis Streker and Joseph-Claude Gyau.