Training camp

Recharging the batteries after a breathless few days

After a demanding weekend at the training camp in Austria, the coaching staff have decided to kick off the new week with a short break.

On Sunday, it was noticeable that the hard-fought 120-minute match against French top-tier side FC Nantes the day before (which the Rothosen won 4-2) and the four intensive days of training had taken their toll on the HSV players. They were beaten 3-0 by British side Cardiff City, and everyone including the coaching staff put it down to a bit of tiredness from the previous few days.

The many young fans at the home of TSU Bramberg were not deterred, and ran onto the pitch after the final whistle to collect autographs, while the adult fans preferred to ask for selfies. After a quick chat with the supporters, the players returned to their hotel and headed to a chalet together in the evening, where they rounded off a breathless few days with a relaxing evening as a team.

Head coach Steffen Baumgart has scheduled Monday as a day of recovery. The players are free to choose any activity to recover, including running, cycling and swimming. This will allow their legs and minds a bit of a break before they return to full training on Tuesday. The Rothosen will then have four sessions over two more days of training, before finishing off the training camp in Austria with a friendly against Aris Limassol on Thursday afternoon.