400 fans watch on as Breitenreiter era gets under way

The six-week break between football seasons came to an end on Sunday as TSG Hoffenheim completed their first training session of the 2022/23 campaign. Four hundred cheerful fans watched on in perfect weather conditions as new coach André Breitenreiter welcomed 24 players to the Zuzenhausen training ground in the afternoon. New signings Grischa Prömel and Finn Ole Becker took part in the session, but internationals Andrej Kramarić, Munas Dabbur, Christoph Baumgartner, Stefan Posch, Robert Skov, David Raum, Oliver Baumann and Sargis Adamyan were all absent – as was Mijat Gaćinović, who is holding talks with another club. Marco John is training individually following his shoulder operation.

"We saw many smiling faces among the fans today. In addition, the boys had a lot of fun and a spring in their step, scoring a lot of great goals. I'm completely satisfied," said André Breitenreiter after the first session.

Having initially gathered in a circle for a team talk, the team was divided into smaller groups to complete different training exercises. Just under 80 minutes later, TSG finished their first training session of the season. "It's important to me that we create a mood of optimism. We'll prepare with great focus so that we can start the season well, but that can only be done with a positive vibe and the will to give everything. The boys took a good first step today," Breitenreiter added.

The players were also in a positive mood after the first session of the season. "The coach addressed many things. It was important to get back into it and get used to the ball again. You can tell the atmosphere is great and we want to keep it that way," said Ihlas Bebou, who knows André Breitenreiter from their time together at Hannover 96.

TSG marked the return to training with a varied entertainment program. Hoffi distributed gift bags to the youngest fans, while the new home jersey was on sale too.  

TSG Hoffenheim's next training session is scheduled for Monday (11:00 CET). They will finish off the week by playing a friendly away to FC-Astoria Walldorf on Saturday (17:30 CET). The full summer schedule can be viewed here.