Going into the season feeling positive

Borussia have successfully completed an intensive preseason programme that featured a week-long training camp at the beginning of July at Tegernsee and an unbeaten run of friendlies.

More than four weeks of preparation and eight friendlies lie behind the team – and head coach Daniel Farke is pleased with the current state of affairs: “In terms of addressing fitness levels and tactics, we have made a lot of progress. There were substantially more positives than negatives in the friendlies. Not everything is perfect, but we are on the right track.” The foundations were laid in a week-long training camp at the beginning of July at Tegernsee, “We worked extremely hard there. The boys were really focused and we were able to work on several things, especially on possession play,” said Farke.

The Foals were unable to travel to Rottach-Egern for two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This meant the team were all the more pleased to return this summer to the place where they had consistently held their summer preparations between 2012 and 2019. “The facilities at the training facilities in Birkenmoos and at the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt are optimal,” said Borussia’s team coordinator Christofer Heimeroth. “With improvements to the training pitches and the sports hall now converted into a fitness room, these have become even better. In addition, you have the beautiful landscape and views of the mountains – that also plays a role. A good atmosphere is just as important to a summer training camp. We have all the time we need there for the team to bond even more.”

Nearly 1,500 fans in Rottach-Egern

The team were once again joined at Tegernsee by a large number of supporters. There were almost 1,500 fans in Rottach-Egern over the course of the week, who clearly enjoyed being back up close with their heroes after a two year-long Coronavirus enforced absence. “I think that this closeness and transparency are great qualities that really define the club,” said Farke. “To be able to enjoy this week with the fans was brilliant. Sensing this positivity around the club and the desire to make this season a good one was also a great experience for the boys.”

In the short period of time he has been in charge, the new head coach has managed to create a buzz ahead of the new campaign. This is obviously also helped by the positive friendly results: 4-2 against RW Essen, 6-0 against 1860 Munich, 5-2 against Viktoria Köln, 1-1 against Standard Liège, 1-0 against MSV Duisburg, 0-0 against Athletic Bilbao, 1-1 against RKC Waalwijk and finally 1-1 against Real Sociedad. “I do not think that there are many Bundesliga teams that have gone unbeaten during preseason,” said Farke, adding: “This is obviously absolutely no guarantee that we will also start the season successfully, but there is definitely a positive feeling and self-confidence for the task ahead.”