Emre Can has been preparing for the new season with his team-mates in Switzerland since Tuesday. In a media round, he spoke about his excitement and the next steps.

Emre Can on his excitement ahead of the season:
"Our batteries have been recharged and there's great excitement. We have big ambitions every year. New coach, new players, new season – we can hardly wait for things to get started again." 

…his fitness condition:
"We were on holiday for four weeks. But I only put my feet up for one week and then I started to train again. I went running and did exercises in the weight room. You never switch off completely; rather, you are given a programme to complete. We never start from scratch; we'll already be back to 100% within a matter of weeks." 

…the handicap of having lots of players make a late start to pre-season:
"It's a big one. Everyone knows it's not an optimal pre-season. But we cannot moan because it's the same for many clubs. The first competitive game is already next week. Even though maybe not everyone is 100% fit on the pitch, you have to try to give it your all and help the team. I hope that we make a good start." 

…his pre-season plans:
"I'm not going to play tomorrow. I will probably resume with team training on Saturday or next week. My personal plan is for me to be able to play in the cup tie next week. If I'm needed in central defence, I won't say no."

…the good run-in at the end of last season:
"We need to continue where we left off. We qualified for the Champions League and won the cup. That has to be our aim."

…Mo Dahoud's contract extension:
"I'm absolutely delighted that Mo has extended; it was deserved after last season as well. Mo is an outstanding player who offers us a lot on the pitch, has extremely good movement, can always crank up the heat and plays good passes forwards. Everyone knows how crazy Mo is off the pitch. The team likes him a lot." 

…the partial return of spectators:
"That means an awful lot to us; we as a team are extremely excited. Everyone knows football isn't the same without fans."

…his advertisement for vaccines:
"I was asked and I agreed. It's a personal decision that everyone has to make for themselves. I'm vaccinated."
Transcribed by Christina Reinke