Three games, three victories. 4-1 v Eindhoven, 3-0 v Liege, 6-1 v Paderborn. Thomas Tuchel should have actually been really satisfied, especially as their evaluation of Marco Reus was spot on. However Sven Bender's injury was a 'real downer'.

No one is expecting good news. Thomas Tuchel had the following to say on Tuesday evening at the Benteler Arena in Paderborn: "it doesn't look good. His ankle swelled up straight away." They had not had a chance to get the results back yet. "I hope that it won't be a long term injury, but when Manni screams in pain, then it is not a good sign", was the way Marcel Schmelzer put it. For him the third win in the third friendly match was secondary when compared to Bender having to go off through injury.

And there was so much to be positive about at the end of their preparations. Above all, André Schürrle really gave a good impression and proved himself as a confident penalty taker (two goals from the spot). Mario Götze set up chance after chance and also scored himself, Shinji Kagawa confirmed the positive trend, Raphael Guerreiro scored yet again in his second 30 minute appearance - and Marco Reus proved he can handle the pressure. Tuchel admitted: "he was right. He told me in Spain: I should not worry so much. I then forced myself not to worry." Tuchel was also cautious when he said: "ok, let's wait and see. It has to be a prerequisite that we have the players that can make a difference."

And Roman Weidenfeller prevented two very likely goals at the back: Marcel Schmelzer commented: "that is why we have a goalkeeper in goal. Roman decided the one-on-one situations in our favour." All in all he summarised: "it was a difficult pitch to be able to show any more."

If Bender's injury wouldn't have put such a dampener on the situation, Tuchels conclusion after three games and three victories in the winter of 2017 would sound even better: "we won all six halves, we showed enough fighting spirit and the will to win in all the games." Boris Rupert