“Prepare well and put everything into it”

VfB head coach Sebastian Hoeneß greeted his players on the training pitch in high summer weather on Tuesday morning. In temperatures of well over 30 degrees, passing drills and match situations were first on the agenda. “We accept it. The coaching staff plan everything so that we’re pushed the right amount but also not overloaded in the heat,” said defender Pascal Stenzel.

Performance tests in afternoon

The morning session was followed by the obligatory performance tests in the afternoon, where the boys worked up a sweat again with a lactate test, spirometry and more – although thankfully the temperatures in the testing room were a bit more comfortable than outside. “Before every season, the fitness level of each individual must be tested. It’s part and parcel of it and becomes a habit,” added Stenzel. “I try to prepare myself well during the break in terms of stamina and then put everything into it.”

Friendly against SSV Reutlingen

On Saturday 15 July (15:00 CEST), Stenzel and his colleagues travel to Reutlingen for their second pre-season friendly. “Friendlies are always important for seeing where we’re at,” said the 27-year-old. “After that we’ll travel to the training camp in good shape. The boys who have been missing so far will then return, so that we can shape our team for the new season. I’m looking forward to it.”