Preparation for Karlsruhe is underway

After having Monday off, the Rothosen began preparation on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s league clash with Karlsruher SC (kick-of 13:30 CET), who currently occupy second spot in the table. With interim coach Merlin Polzin taking charge of training, he brought with him a new but somewhat familiar style to the session. After Steffen Baumgart was relieved of his duties on Sunday (24th November), the coach from Hamburg, who as acted as assistant since the 2020/21 season, took over for his second interim spell in the position. Polzin is supported by U21 head coach Loic Fave and his assistant Richard Krohn. The trio led a focused training session on Tuesday, with the necessary relaxed atmosphere developing after not too long.

24 outfield players were present for training, along with four goalkeepers, who completed their specific session with goalkeeping coach Sven Höh. After the 15-minute warm-up, centre-back Valon Zumberi then departed to undertake an individual session with rehabilitation coach Sebastian Capel. The remaining Rothosen then began small-sided matches, four vs. four, with four additional players operating on the sidelines. The players worked intensively for about 30 minutes before going into a reduced-width 11 vs. 11 game. At that point, Miro Muheim left the session as his workload is being managed. Interim coach Polzin used the breaks in play to repeatedly impart further tactical directives. The 24-year-old then called an end to the first training session of the week after about 75 minutes. Alongside those suffering from long-term injuries, Robert Glatzel and Ludovit Reis, the additional absentees were Jonas Meffert (knock), Moritz Heyer and Levin Öztunali. The latter two will not take part in senior team training until further notice, instead training with the U21s. The second-division side return to training tomorrow, Wednesday, for the next session at 11:00 CET which will take place at the Volksparkstadion.