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BVB kicks off training with the lads and high intensity
The first water break, which BVB assistant coach Robert Kovac called after about 45 minutes of training, was gratefully received by the 22 field players. After all, the Black and Yellows were on the training field in Dortmund-Brackel in summery 28-degree weather and bright sunshine.
Two days earlier, the Borussians had already undergone the mandatory performance testing; on Tuesday, they finally took to the field for their first training session.
In addition to injured captain Emre Can, head coach Niko Kovac’s roster was missing the World Cup participants, who are currently still on vacation. Julian Ryerson, who had to be substituted due to injury during Norway’s quarterfinal match against England, has not suffered a more serious injury and is expected to return to Dortmund fully fit after his vacation.
In place of the World Cup players, Kovac called up not only the established players—including Serhou Guirassy, Fabio Silva, Jobe Bellingham, Yan Couto, and others—but also eleven young talents from BVB’s youth teams to the first-team training squad.
Summer signings Joane Gadou and Justin Lerma demonstrated their skills in team training for the first time. The 19-year-old center back and the 18-year-old midfielder showed great motivation and enthusiasm right from the start.
Cramer, Ricken, and Book observe the first session
“There’s a lot of excitement among all the players and staff. It’s finally starting. I’m really looking forward to preseason,” Lars Ricken explained during a media session on the sidelines of training. The sporting director laid out the plan for the coming weeks leading up to the season opener against FC Bayern Munich in the Super Cup (August 22): “It all starts today. We now want to lay the groundwork to ensure we’re as successful as possible this season.”
Meanwhile, Lars Ricken wasn’t the only BVB official watching the first training session of the First team up close. Carsten Cramer, spokesperson for the BVB Board of Management, and sporting director Ole Book also watched the action on the training field with interest.
Kovac calls for “Speed, speed, speed”
Right from the start of preseason, the focus was on ball work. Initial coordination drills were quickly followed by intense passing drills and the first small-sided games for the field players.
In the second half of the session, Niko Kovac put the young lads through their paces with transition drills and some shooting practice. Time and again, the BVB coach loudly demanded “Speed, speed, speed” and praised his players for successful plays. After all, some of the NLZ players were on the training field with the team for the very first time.
The top talents, led by Mathis Albert and Samuele Inacio—who had already made their Bundesliga debuts last season—were already in a goal-scoring mood. They produced some impressive shots on goal against Alexander Meyer and Patrick Drewes, who were between the posts during the practice matches.
Under the watchful eyes of numerous media representatives, Kovac put the Borussians through their paces for just under two hours. More training sessions are scheduled for the coming days in Dortmund-Brackel, before the first preseason friendly of the current preparation kicks off this coming Saturday at 5 p.m. against Regionalliga side Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
Get your tickets for the big season opener now!
On 15 August, Borussia Dortmund invites you to the grand season opener. In addition to a varied supporting program, both the First team and the BVB Women will take on AS Roma in a friendly match. At 1 p.m., the BVB Women—featuring new signing Alexandra Popp—will kick off at Rote Erde Stadium; at 5 p.m., the German runners-up will host the Italian first-division side for a tough test at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. Secure your tickets for the BVB Women’s and First team season opener in the online ticket shop.
Mats-Yannick Roth
