Forty-one days after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the DFB Cup final, the Borussia Dortmund squad began their pre-season preparations with new coach Peter Bosz. Among those reporting for duty was Mario Götze, who was returning to action after five months on the sidelines.

image

"I've had to undergo a special rehab programme. The treatment is continuing to have a positive impact, and I'm really progressing very, very well," said a beaming Götze of his recovery. An internal examination conducted in February had revealed a metabolic disorder as being the cause of the player's repeated muscular problems.

The preparations for the new season took place in four countries across two continents. The Bosz era began with a 3-2 defeat by Rot-Weiss Essen, followed by a 3-2 victory over Urawa Reds in Tokyo and a convincing 3-1 win against AC Milan in Guangzhou. Much like their previous Asia tours, the Black & Yellows were welcomed with open arms at every stop along the way.

In addition to World Cup winner Matthias Ginter, who joined Gladbach, another Borussia Dortmund icon left the club. With a heavy heart – "If it hadn't been Manni with all his BVB history..." said Hans-Joachim Watzke – the club leadership accepted Sven Bender's request. "I am very grateful that Borussia Dortmund have respected my wish, despite clearly wanting to keep me," said the man who has achieved so much in Black & Yellow. "I see that as a sign of great respect. The years I've spent in Dortmund have not only shaped my career, but my life and the life of my family too." Bender now plays alongside twin brother Lars at Bayer Leverkusen.

In other personnel news, Shinji Kagawa signed a contract extension until June 2020. "As one of the more experienced members of our squad, he is an unbelievably important anchor in a team that is very youthful overall," said Michael Zorc, who, on the day BVB returned from Japan, issued a clear statement addressing the transfer rumours that had been circulating for months regarding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "In our eyes, the transfer window is closed," he said. (br)