On the fifth day of BVB's training camp in La Manga, Spain, Jürgen Klopp gave the team – in his absence – a short break from the intense training.

While the BVB coach flew with club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Michael Zorc to Zürich to attend the Ballon d'Or gala, the players enjoyed a light training session on Monday morning to recuperate. Most of them also had the afternoon off, only a few, including Mats Hummels, had to pull their boots on for a second session.

“The rehab is going really well,” said Hummels. “I’ve been able to run for 30 straight minutes, and the injured foot feels like the other one again.” If things go as planned, the Germany international said he hopes to return within the first two weeks of the second half of the season. Hummels:  “I want to take part in full training for at least a week before returning to get back in the full rhythm.”

Marco Reus was in a spirited mood when he addressed the media at the daily press conference in La Manga. BVB’s pacy midfielder said, “We want to work on our confidence in training, especially our finishing touch, to improve our efficiency in front of goal. Of all the clubs, we have created the most clear-cut chances. Had we not created them, it would be a reason for concern. But that was not the case.”

Reus also said that he is convinced of the quality of the BVB team. “We have performed well in the Champions League, were also convincing the DFB Cup and, in spite of an unparalleled injury list, are still in striking distance in the Bundesliga.” The attacking midfielder is sure that “when our injured are back and we play to our qualities, we will finish second.”