Lainer joins training, Bensebaini has a knock

Stefan Lainer is the second player to return from EURO 2020 to join up with the Foals at the training camp in Harsewinkel-Marienfeld.

After László Bénes, Stefan Lainer became the second Borussia player who was on international duty at EURO 2020 to join up with the squad at their training camp in Harsewinkel-Marienfeld. The right-back reached the round of 16 with Austria, narrowly going out 2-1 in extra time to eventual winners Italy. “The EUROS were a cool, exciting experience. We wrote footballing history for Austria by reaching the knockouts for the first time and I think our country can be proud of us. Losing to the team that went on to win the title makes it slightly easier to accept the defeat,” said Lainer on Wednesday to the press.

The 28-year-old was back on the pitch with his club teammates for the first time on Wednesday morning. During the only session of the day, coach Adi Hütter had the players doing small drills involving lots of passing and tackling. Dealing with pressure on the ball was one focus, as was aggressive pressing. To round training off, Hütter let the Foals do some shooting. “Overall, I’m happy with the intensity in training. We need to be a tight-knit group by the time the season starts. We must lay the foundations for everything during pre-season and then attack the new campaign head on,” said Lainer, who also spoke about his new coach: “The new boss has definitely breathed new life into us, which is really positive. Adi Hütter is a coach with a lot of qualities. He’s clear about what he wants from us. I’m excited and looking forward to the future.”

While Lainer was back in full training, Lars Stindl missed out. An MRI scan on Tuesday showed that Borussia‘s captain has suffered a knee ligament strain. Ramy Bensebaini couldn’t complete Wednesday’s session due to a slight knock.