Relaxed start in Leogang

The training camp began at 17:00 CET on Monday afternoon with a light exercise in FC Saalfelden's stadium. Hoffenheim relocated here at the last minute having originally planned to train in Leogang. Gisdol explained why: “The pitch in Saalfelden is better, that's why we decided to make the move. The few added minutes on the bus are no issue.”

On the pitch, fitness coach Nicklas Dietrich took over. Dietrich took the players through short, quick movements with changes in direction. This was followed by stretching and strength exercises, torso in particular, before the focus turned to the ball. Markus Gisdol observed as his players worked on direct passes, with no more than one or two touches allowed. The manager constantly took notes and interrupted to offer corrections. After an hour, the session was over. There was nothing special about the day apart from the fact it was defender David Abraham's birthday. The Argentinean celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday and was surprised by his teammates with eggs and flour. His hair was ruined but everyone had had good fun as an intensive training camp enjoyed a successful start.

In the afternoon, before the training session, Markus Gisdol had organised another friendly. On Tuesday, at 18:30 CET, TSG will face regional, Austrian side UFC Maria Alm in the Untersberg-Arena. “We are considering trying to fit in a third friendly fixture during the training camp. We have a lot of healthy players in the squad, all of whom I'd like to see get at least another 45 minutes. There won't be a complete rotation during the next few friendlies,” said Gisdol after the end of the first training exercise in Saalfelden.