Training begins ahead of Leipzig game
As wind swept across the club’s Schenckendorffplatz training pitch, Tayfun Korkut’s men began preparations for this weekend’s game against RB Leipzig with positional drills on a reduced-size pitch. After a warm up and some rondo, technical skills as well as hard tackling was on show, with head coach Tayfun Korkut giving instructions from the side throughout the 80-minute session..
Kempf returns, Serdar in isolation
The head coach was able to welcome one player back to training. Marc Oliver Kempf tested negative following his confirmed case and was able to train with the team once again. Meanwhile, Suat Serdar has begun self-isolation after a positive test. Also absent from training were goalkeepers Oliver Christensen, Rune Jarstein and Nils Körber, who are in rehabilitation training along with Kélian Nsona. The new signing worked on his return from injury with fitness coach Hendrik Vieth. Dedryck Boyata (ligaments) and Márton Dárdai (ankle) did not train.
Come together, stand up, work hard
The fit players put in work ahead of the visit of last year’s DFB-Pokal finalists. “We have to pick ourselves up quickly and continue working,” said Lucas Tousart on bouncing back from a painful defeat in Fürth. His coach was also emphasised the importance of communication. “The team must be able to solve difficult situations on the pitch and pull together even more,” said Korkut.
[>]It’s a Bundesliga game in which everything is possible. The way the game goes will depend on us to an extent; how prepared we are to deal with Leipzig’s quality. What’s clear is that we have to do some things well.[<]
That’s how the ‘Old Lady’ will look to take something from the Europa League side. “It’s a Bundesliga game in which everything is possible. We’ve already shown that we can pick up points against opposition at the top end of the table,” said Korkut, who sees Leipzig as a tough test, “who we can only overcome together – with our fans behind us.” However, the group don’t have any fear, and are only focussing on what they can influence: effort and commitment. “The way the game goes will depend on us to an extent; how prepared we are to deal with Leipzig’s quality. What’s clear is that we have to do some things well,” said Korkut of this weekend’s clash, which offers an opportunity to brighten the spirits with a good result.