After the She-Wolves underwent performance tests on Monday and Tuesday as preparations for the new season got under way, the first training session involving ball work took place on Wednesday. It was also the first time Theresa Merk stood on the sidelines in her new role as assistant to head coach Stephan Lerch.
Left-back Felicitas Rauch and goalkeeper Friederike Abt likewise donned the green and white of VfL Wolfsburg for the first time, but ten squad members were unavailable to take part. Five Germany internationals including captain Alexandra Popp, as well as Norwegian duo Kristine Minde and Ingrid Engen will begin training next week. Dominique Bloodworth, who finished as runner-up with the Netherlands at the FIFA Women's World Cup, and Fridolina Rolfö, who helped Sweden earn the bronze medal at the tournament, both have an extra week's rest.
VfL and Germany No.1 Almuth Schult faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on her right shoulder on Tuesday. Babett Peter is currently training individually and will do so for the remainder of the week due to a back complaint.
Friendlies lined up
Lerch's charges will play their first friendly of the summer on Saturday 13 July away to SSV 03 Besiegdas Magdeburg in honour of the club's ten-year anniversary (kick-off 15:30 CET). "It's always a bit different when you're playing an actual match and you're wearing the shirt out on the pitch," said Lerch. "That's why we're looking forward to our first game this weekend." The venue for the encounter is Gübser Weg 35, Magdeburg.
Two weeks later, VfL will play another friendly against SK Slavia Prague on Saturday 27 July at the Halle-Neustadt stadium (kick-off 15:00 CET).
to the pre-season schedule
