1. FC Union Berlin have completed their almost obligatory short training camp in Bad Saarow. Head coach Urs Fischer's team, whether old hands or newcomers, had the opportunity to get the feel of the ball again, and to work up a good sweat while doing so.

(Almost) all on board

The male professionals had final session at their home training ground in Köpenick on Thursday, before the team, coaches and support staff all set off after lunch to the well-known Hotel Esplanade Resort & Spa in Bad Saarow. Frederik Rönnow, Sheraldo Becker, Aïssa Laïdouni and Josip Juranović, however, were not with them, as they were enjoying a deserved extended holiday following their international duties. In addition, Tim Skarke was missing for personal reasons, but he joined the rest of the team on Saturday.

András Schäfer was also there for the whole stay, completing further parts of his own rehab programme together with coach Johannes Thienel.

Training sessions and getting to know each other

In the mornings of Friday and Saturday, challenging training sessions were held on the FSV Union Fürstenwalde pitch. Although the focus was on playing systems and integrating the new players, they still had a chance for fun and contact with the fans despite the high temperatures. To the applause of the 350 spectators in attendance, head coach first showed off their skills and then their own gratitude to those who travelled by signing autographs.

From the players' point of view, Friday afternoon was certainly the most strenuous part, as athletics coach Martin Krüger showed no mercy even as the thermometer hit 34°C in some places, testing his charges with strengthening exercises.

The reward, however, followed directly on Saturday afternoon, when no second session was scheduled. Instead the time was reserved for team activities, and getting to know each other. Whether it was stand-up paddling, tennis or basketball - the choice was wide and was taken up by all the players before a final dinner together in the beautiful surroundings of the Scharmützelsee.

First friendly on Wednesday

After two days off on Sunday and Monday, pre-season preparation continues on Tuesday with the first pre-season friendly also already scheduled for the coming week. The Eisernen will travel to the FSV Luckenwalde’s Werner-Seelenbinder-Stadion on Wednesday, 12.07.2023. Kick off is at 18:30.