As is well known, 1. FC Union Berlin has set up its second training camp presented by sonnenschutz.de in the small town of Neuruppin and has been accommodated in the Mark Brandenburg Resort, which is ideally suited for this purpose. In the north of Brandenburg, the players are offered a perfect combination of optimal training conditions and relaxing surroundings.
Morning routine and a trip through the old town
The day began for the Union players with a hearty breakfast and some took advantage of the neighbouring “Ruppiner See” lake for a morning refreshment. This stretches over a length of 14 kilometres and offers a wonderful backdrop. Refreshed and well-fuelled, the players set off for their first training session. Training takes place on the grounds of MSV 1911 Neuruppin and the journey there leads through the historic town centre, which is well worth seeing. It impresses with its historic buildings and charming alleyways, where the famous writer Theodor Fontane was born over 200 years ago, which is why Neuruppin is also known as the ‘Fontane town’.
Intensive training in front of enthusiastic fans
Once they arrived at the training ground, the players began their first training session of the day. Numerous fans had travelled to Neuruppin to support their team and followed the various exercises attentively. The initial focus was on passing sharpness and accuracy, followed by training in over- and under-centre situations. Finally, there was a game form that focussed on the build-up and transition game.
After the morning training session, the Union players returned to the resort, where a healthy and nutritious lunch awaited them. In addition to a large terrace overlooking the water, the resort also offers a spa area with various pools and saunas. This provides the players with the best opportunities to regenerate and recharge their batteries for the second training session in the afternoon.
The second training session of the day, again watched by around 600 fans, started after the warm-up with the team being split into two groups. In these groups, the Union players first competed against each other in six-on-six and then in three-on-three. The coaching team emphasised quick and precise finishing during the afternoon training session. Afterwards, the players were available to take photos with the fans and fulfil numerous autograph requests.
Evening by the lake
After an exhausting first day of training, the Eisernen reviewed the day over dinner. Some of the players spent the last few hours before going to bed on the banks of the Ruppiner See or took the opportunity to go for a short walk.
Quote of the day: ‘For me, it’s a little bit more difficult, because I just came back from my holidays, but so far it makes Spaß’ – András Schäfer in the discussion round in response to a journalist’s question.
The diary entries at a glance
Day 1