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Interview

Back with the boys – Nico Schlotterbeck is "really looking forward to it"

Nico Schlotterbeck has been back in Dortmund for three days and, like the other internationals, completed his performance diagnostic tests on Wednesday. Between sets on the treadmill and the dumbbells, the centre-back talked about his holiday, during which he kept an eye on the pre-season friendlies, and looked ahead to the upcoming training camp.

Are you happy to be back?
"I've been in Dortmund for three days because I had a few things to take care of. I'm incredibly happy and really looking forward to it. I haven't seen the lads for a long time. Eight weeks have passed since the Champions League final."

You're working hard here, you've got a sweat on. How strenuous is performance diagnostics?
"The lactate test is part of it. The last minute and a half are definitely brutal. It always means pushing yourself to the limit, and somehow going beyond it, so that the athletics coaches can work something out. I'm always happy when I'm finished."

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How was the period after the Euros in your home country? Were you able to recover?
"First, I went on a family holiday, and then I went on holiday with my boys from home. And I think it's important not to think too much about football. You still hear the odd thing from here about how the guys have started. I also watched the friendlies. But otherwise, I was able to completely switch off and clear my head."

You won't have a session in Dortmund – after the performance diagnostics, you're heading straight off to the training camp.
"The conditions in Bad Ragaz are excellent. The hotel complex is outstanding. We will really enjoy it. I think the coach will demand a lot from us in pre-season. Of course, we will have to run a lot, and put in plenty of work on tactics. We will be preparing properly for the first Bundesliga match in the coming weeks."
Transcribed by Christina Reinke

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