“We want to maintain our level”

Once again, hundreds of VfB supporters flocked to the club’s headquarters in Bad Cannstatt on day two of their mid-season preparations in order to watch the open training session and collect autographs. A particularly popular selfie partner was club captain Waldemar Anton, who was delighted with the number of fans attending the session. “We’re grateful to everyone who visits and we’re happy to feel the support,” said the central defender, who is preparing for the second half of the campaign with the rest of his team-mates.

Ramping up the intensity

VfB don’t have much time to prepare for their first competitive game of 2024 – at Borussia Mönchengladbach on 14 January – making it even more important to increase the intensity in training to a competitive level as soon as possible. Anton feels his side are on the right track though, telling VfB TV: “We want to maintain our level from the get-go, which we’ve already managed to do yesterday and today. You start with the basics, like concentration and a good passing game, in training. If you fully take that on board in training, it’ll be easier in games.”

Friendly on Saturday

Before returning to Bundesliga action, VfB face second-tier SpVgg Greuther Fürth in a friendly on Saturday. Their next open training session is at the club centre on 4 January, starting at 10:30 CET.