Fans attend as TSG make high-intensity start to training

Finally, football in your presence again! After a six-week break, TSG Hoffenheim completed their first team training session of the 2021/22 season on Sunday. With 200 spectators watching on from the sidelines, head coach Sebastian Hoeness welcomed a total of 24 players to the training ground in Zuzenhausen. Among them were new signings David Raum and Angelo Stiller; Sebastian Rudy, who has made his loan move permanent; Jacob Bruun Larsen and Justin Hoogma, who have returned following loan spells elsewhere; and youth players Nahuel Noll, Gabriel Haider and Tom Bischoff, who will all train with the senior squad throughout pre-season. Oliver Baumann, Benjamin Hübner and Ermin Bičakčić trained individually. EURO participants Robert Skov, Pavel Kadeřábek, Andrej Kramarić, Christoph Baumgartner, Florian Grillitsch and Stefan Posch, plus Diadie Samassékou (corona infection), were all missing, as were Joshua Brenet and Ishak Belfodil (following consultation with the sporting management).

"We're very satisfied with our start. There was a high level of intensity and I saw a lot of things that we want to show in the future," said Sebastian Hoeness after the first session. As agreed upon by the authorities, fans were finally allowed to attend. Although the weather was disappointing, around 200 spectators still watched the training session. "It's good to see a bit of normality returning. We're delighted that the fans were able to be there again, at least for today," said Hoeness.

Having completed various tests over the weekend, TSG kicked off their preparations at 15:00 CET on Sunday with a session that lasted around 75 minutes. "The guys worked well over the break and are making a super impression," said Hoeness. Ihlas Bebou is also happy to get going again. "It's good to finally see the guys again and to be back on the pitch," said the TSG forward, adding: "We're all looking forward to starting the new season together now."

TSG Hoffenheim's next training session is scheduled for Monday at 11:00 CET. TSG will play their first friendly away to 1. FC Heidenheim on 17 July (13:30 CET), before then travelling to the training camp in Rottach-Egern on 18 July.