Optimal training conditions despite winter weather

A winter wonderland surrounds the centre. There is but one patch of green visible to the eye - a heated football pitch on which the 1899 stars began their preparations for the second half of the season last Sunday. The camp serves as the perfect way for Ralf Rangnick's troops to pull together and concentrate on their upcoming tasks, according to Christian Eichner.

The two-week break clearly did the Hoffenheim players a world of good, as evidenced by the 2-1 friendly win over 2. Bundesliga leaders 1. FC Kaiserslautern: "We played really well at times. It was a great way to start 2010," said sporting director Jan Schindelmeiser. 1899 have their next test in three days' time as 1860 München travel to the Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion - the final test before the real action starts next Friday against Bayern München.