Preseason is finally underway

23 players were present at Julian Nagelsmann’s training session in Zuzenhausen at 10:00 CEST, including newcomers Robert Žulj, Justin Hoogma, Florian Grillitsch and Meris Skenderovic. However, Håvard Nordtveit was out with an injury, but the Norway international will return to training on Thursday. In addition, Oliver Baumann and Andrej Kramaric skipped the session as they return to full fitness.

Yet to join up with the team are Sandro Wagner and Kerem Demirbay, who won the Confed Cup with Germany, whilst Jeremy Toljan and Nadiem Amiri are also now on holiday after winning the U21 EURO with Germany last Friday. Nagelsmann was also without Dennis Geiger and Robin Hack, as both are currently with Germany’s U19s for the European Championship in Georgia. Kevin Akpoguma is still recovering from an injury he suffered whilst in Fortuna Düsseldorf colours on Matchday 30 of the 2. Bundesliga.

Reactions to the first training session:

Julian Nagelsmann: “The summer ‘break’ isn’t really a break for managers, and is even less so for a Director of Sport, but it’s fun to lead talks, tinker with a new team, and dream of what could be possible. However, I’ve re-energised myself and am looking forward to finally getting back underway. The team have made a very positive impression so far. The first few fitness tests showed that they were in remarkably good shape. Our new signings should integrate themselves and understand our philosophy of football over the coming days and weeks. We’ve had a lot of ideas so far, and that’s won’t change anytime soon. In general this season’s preseason is a lot more important in comparison to last season’s, mostly due to the fact that we’re going to have fewer sessions than we’re used to throughout the season on account of our involvement in European competitions. The new additions and the returning players have got on great so far. I’m expecting our new signings to use their initiative over the coming weeks in order to understand what it is that we expect from them.”

Alexander Rosen: “We’ve lost two important players in the form of Niklas Süle and Sebastian Rudy. We haven’t, and won’t be, on the search for the new Niklas and the new Sebastian. We’re not a club that’s going to replace two Germany internationals with two other Germany internationals. We’ve still got 13 outfield players who saw extensive playing time last season, and on top of that we’ve picked up Justin Hoogma, Florian Grillitsch, and Robert Žulj – three young players with a lot of potential. In addition, Håvard Nordtveit is a seasoned player who is a great addition to the team. We’ll go into every game with the intention of winning and with the same ambition we had last season with this exciting team. Overall we’ll work hard in order to reach a level that allows us to be successful and that paves the way for a place in the Champions League after the qualifiers.”

Kevin Vogt: “I’ve been back for a week now and am well-rested. Like everyone, I’ve got a lot of energy. The first runs of the summer were a little painful, but you get back into the swing of things fairly quickly. I think that we showed how tough of a team we are last season, and we want to do so again. I can’t wait to get going once more.”

Florian Grillitsch: “I’ve been looked after fantastically here, as have the other newcomers. My first impressions of the team and the facilities have been fantastic. The first sessions have been encouraging for me, because I’ve done okay in adapting to this new formation and style of play. I like it when it’s demanded of you that you’re switched on, and that you need to use your head. I want to make my mark as quickly as possible. Integrating is made easier via the fact that there are two other fellow Austria internationals in the squad. I now feel very comfortable with the team.”

Ermin Bicakcic: “Sure, we have a break during which time we don’t have to do anything that’s physically demanding. We’re all fit and ready to play. Now it’s about staying healthy through preseason. I’ve received a positive impression from the new players, as both people and as players. We’ll stick together and find our rhythm – that’s what’s most important in order to achieve success for the upcoming season.”

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