Next stop: Hamburg!

“It’s always nice to see so many fans supporting us far away from Gelsenkirchen,” says Sascha Riether. The team, however, will not be flying straight home to Gelsenkirchen but will make a stop in Hamburg, where they will play a friendly on Friday at 18:00 CET in the Volksparkstadion. “I am really looking forward to the game against HSV,” enthuses Riether.

The team coordinator’s good mood is reflected in the team. “The boys all get along well with each other. Everyone has given it their all in the last few days,” says the 36-year-old. “We’ve also had barely any injury problems. Only Can Bozdogan from the U19s squad had a problem. Unfortunately, he had to leave early because of a minor ligament issue.”

The Royal Blues were the first team to take part in a training camp in Fuente Alamo and Riether is pleased with the choice of location. “Conditions here have been excellent,” says the cooridantor, who had travelled to Fuente Alamo a few times before the training camp to make all the necessary arrangements. “They made a new pitch for us, which was perfect,” continues Riether. “David Wagner was thrilled.” The hotel and catering also all worked well and a small stand had been built for the fans. Riether: “All in all, it’s been great!”