Ambition, sweat and a new face
In the face of the mountains:
On the third day of the training camp in Längenfeld, Austria, head coach Bo Svensson and his team called the Bundesliga professionals of 1. FC Union Berlin together after breakfast for a video analysis. After an intensive training session under a cloudless sky, fitting for partner sonnenschutz.de, an internal team event awaited the team in the afternoon.
First the work...
In a good mood and with intensive discussions about the European Championship final, the team travelled along the picturesque path to the training pitch. There, everyone focussed on the upcoming training sessions. After the activation, the co-trainers took over and challenged the professionals with a competitive fit. In small groups, outnumbered pairs chased after the ball and tried to capture it or score a mini goal. Head coach Bo Svensson then divided the players into three teams, who competed against each other in "everyone against everyone" mode on a section of the pitch with a total of six mini-goals. The focus was once again on pressing and run-up behaviour as well as quick transition play after winning the ball. Despite a dream goal by Lucas Tousart for "Team Red" and several saves by "Team Blue", "Team Yellow" ultimately secured the training victory.
A new face
European Championship participant Leopold Querfeld joined the team yesterday evening, having left early from his holiday in Austria at his own request. The dinner together and the broadcast of the European Championship final gave him the chance to get to know his new team-mates: "I shook all their hands. I'm still struggling a bit with the names, but I'll get used to it," said the 20-year-old on AFTV after his arrival.
A good twelve hours later, the Vienna native was on the pitch with the team for the first time, but not yet in team training. The centre-back completed his first training session in an Iron kit individually; under expert guidance, various strength and coordination exercises with and without the ball were on the programme for him.
...then the fun
The second part of today was characterised by fun and relaxation. In order to utilise the free time as effectively as possible, the players set off for an internal team event shortly after lunch. The coaches also quenched their thirst for exercise, grabbed their bikes and explored the mountains on two wheels.
Quote of the day: "Always say no per se when they want something from you" - was the tip from a team colleague to Leopold Querfeld following an enquiry from the media team.
The diary entries at a glance:
