Training for the 2016/17 season was begun with a series of diagnostic tests. Thomas Tuchel invited his charges to gauge their performance levels 44 days after the cup-final. A total of 18 players divided into four groups undertook an intensive programme at the Rohr University Bochum, as well as at the club's facilities on the Adi-Preißler-Allee in Dortmund-Brackel.

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Communal breakfast: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang greets Ousmane Dembelé.

The first pre-season training took place without those who have been on national team duty in the European Championships, namely, Julian Weigl, Roman Bürki, Marc Bartra, Raffael Guerreiro, Jakub Blaszczykowski, Lukasz Piszczek, Nuri Sahin and Emre Mor. Christian Pulisic is still on holiday, having participated in the Copa America with the USA national team, as is Mikel Merino, who was involved in the promotion/relegation battle with his former team, Club CA Osasuna, until the middle of June. Marco Reus was also absent, as he is currently working on returning to full fitness after injury, but should return to full training around the middle of August, as was Neven Subotic, who is due to attend final medical checks today and tomorrow having overcome a thrombosis in his arm. Adrian Ramos was also not present due to illness.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang received newcomer and „half-countryman“ Ousmane Dembelé warmly, before going on to show the Frenchman the training facilities.

Players were divided into four groups for the trip to Bochum University. The pace was set at the early hour of 8 CET by Sokratis, Marcel Schmelzer and the recently crowned U19-Champion Felix Passlack. Just as they were last year, the senior team players were subjected to a thorough check, from their eyes to their toes.

The first two training sessions on turf will take place tomorrow, on Tuesday. The first friendly games are to take place on Friday in Erkenschwick, and on Saturday in Wuppertal. (br)