Day one in Portugal – Perfect conditions

At the airport Hoffenheim's bus driver Mathias Bauer was waiting to pick up the side and drive them to their remote hotel. “We've encountered a good environment here. The journey was fine, the pitch is in great condition and the catering is perfect“, said TSG manager Marco Kurz after the first part of the afternoon's training session.

Two intensive sessions per day

Training lasted a good two hours and proved to be a healthy challenge for the players. After the warm up, taken by fitness coach Christof Elser, groups were formed and different tactical situations were practised with a strong focus on fast and accurate passing. Kurz, who constantly blew his whistle when small errors were made or when he wanted to give little hints, explained afterwards: “We've already completed a really intensive week of training, where no session lasted less than two hours. We must keep this going and look to implement our style of play.”

For the rest of the week, the coaching staff will be giving two sessions a day, all of which are taking place on the on-site pitch at the hotel. TSG will also be involved in two friendlies. One on Tuesday at 15.30 GMT (16.30 CET) against Sparta Rotterdam and the other on Friday at 15.00 GMT (16.00 CET) against SC Heerenveen.