Friedrich and Netz return – preparation for opening away fixture underway

On Tuesday afternoon, the Foals started their preparation for the first Bundesliga away fixture of the season, against Schalke on Saturday (18:30 CEST). Luca Netz and Marvin Friedrich returned to full training.

Gladbach enjoyed a successful start to the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, having won their opener at home against Hoffenheim 3-1. “We got off to a fantastic start, taking all three points in the first game,” head coach Daniel Farke said. Now, the Foals are looking ahead to their first away fixture of the season, where they will be welcomed by Schalke 04. “The Schalke game will be completely different to Hoffenheim. I’m sure that Schalke will go into this feeling buoyed, especially in front of a full house. There will be a great atmosphere,” Farke commented. “Schalke is a German footballing heavyweight, so we will be going there with respect as well as the self-confidence of the last few weeks.”

Jonas Hofmann further emphasised that “It’s their first home game after returning to the top division, in front of a sold-out crowd, and an exciting match on Saturday evening - the place will definitely be bouncing. We can't let ourselves be put off by this atmosphere, we have to focus on our game - just like we did on Saturday against Hoffenheim after we went behind. We kept our cool and played our football. We want to do the same at Schalke. We're going there as favourites and have the aim of picking up all three points.”

The midfielder, who yesterday extended his contract at Borussia, which originally expired in 2023, until 30th June 2025 with the option for a further year, did not however take part in team training. Also missing out on training were Florian Neuhaus, who suffered a minor injury against Hoffenheim and Torben Müsel, for workload management reasons. Lars Stindl (thigh problems) remained unable to train.

Friedrich and Netz back in team training

There was positive news for Daniel Farke who was bolstered by the return of Marvin Friedrich, who had been absent recently due to a muscle fibre tear in his thigh, and Luca Netz, who missed the Hoffenheim game due to illness. "Both Marvin and Luca looked quite good again today, so they could be in contention for the weekend,” said Farke.

For Friedrich, Netz and the rest of the squad are four more sessions scheduled before the away match at Schalke, starting tomorrow at 10:45 a.m. and in the afternoon in the weight room (not open to the public) and on Thursday at the same time. The final training session on Friday will then be taken behind closed doors.