After four consecutive days of sunshine, a blanket of clouds hung over Bad Ragaz on Friday, with low temperatures and rain to boot. ''It's good that it's no longer so hot out there. It means we can exert ourselves more,'' said Thorgan Hazard in the evening, going on to add: ''Rain is also better for the grass. It means the ball moves along it quicker.'' 

After a day of regeneration on Thursday, including an afternoon off, the Black & Yellows returned to the pitches of the ''Ri-Au'' sports facility for two sessions on Friday. ''We trained well and showed a lot of intensity. The morning session wasn't long, but we got plenty touches of the ball,'' said Hazard. ''The intensity was higher in the second session, we played lots of little games and a tournament. Every team won a game. A draw is good for everyone.''

''The atmosphere is good in the team,'' says Hazard, who now forms part of a Belgian trio at the club alongside Axel Witsel and Thomas Meunier: ''We've got new players, good players, but also good personalities.'' The talented youngsters have also integrated well in the side. 

Coach Lucien Favre has set out two more sessions for Saturday, with the friendly match against Austria Vienna then following on the Sunday. ''We're getting a little better every day,'' says Hazard. ''It's a good training camp.'' 

Christina Reinke