“A very hospitable culture”

Today’s training session was held at a location which left no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the meteorological conditions to be expected. VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß had his team out on the ‘Hot Stuff Field’ in Hiroshima at 10:30 am, with temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius as he put the squad through its paces once again in pre-season.

Ermedin Demirovic and his team-mates continued their preparations – with both overall fitness and ball work on the agenda – and the session was as intensive and meticulously prepared as always. “The weather conditions are extremely tough – I’ve never known anything like this before,” the VfB striker said after the session. “Mind you, it’s what we need to get fit ahead of the coming season. If we can get acclimatised to hot temperatures, we’ll be fine back in Germany, regardless of how warm it is.”

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As well as the weather, the recent VfB signing was also taken by the ambience in the host country. “It’s a very hospitable culture here and we’ve been incredibly well received,” he said. “Anyone you meet on the street here, they show you so much respect and that’s really special. We spend all our time bowing to make sure we do the same as the people over here.”

The squad will get a greater insight into Japanese culture over the coming days, most notably with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Museum. “I personally am really looking forward to this because I want to learn more about the culture and the city,” the VfB striker said. “It will be very special for all of us and have an effect on us going forward.”

Muscle problems for Luca Raimund

Having found the back of the net in VfB’s 5-3 win over Kyoto Sanga, Luca Raimund has experienced some adductor muscle issues and can no longer train with the team at the moment. The staff have devised an individual programme for him.