The She-Wolves have got the first three weeks of pre-season out of the way in soaring summer temperatures. By now, there’s close to a full squad on the training field, with Dutch World Cup runner-up Dominique Bloodworth and Sweden internationals Hedvig Lindahl and Fridolina Rolfö recently joining up with their new teammates. The latter is sidelined with a foot injury for the moment, but head coach Stephan Lerch is positive about it: “It’s healing well, and we expect her to travel to the training camp next week, where she’ll be able to complete individual sessions.” Almuth Schult is the only long-term absentee for Lerch’s side, following her shoulder operation.
Full focus
The VfL Ladies have been strengthened by seven signings over the summer, and that’s already produced a reaction on the pitch. “Because of the new players, we’re seeing a situation emerging in which everyone’s focussed and wants to reassert themselves,” Lerch continued. In addition to Bloodworth, Lindahl and Rolfö, Felicitas Rauch, Svenja Huth, Ingrid Engen and Friederike Abt have also arrived. “There’s a noticeably high level of concentration and the team are throwing themselves into everything,” he added approvingly.
Friendly against Slavia Prague
Next Friday (2 August), the She-Wolves travel to Walchsee in Austria for their annual summer training camp, but before that, there’s another friendly on the agenda tomorrow. The VfL Ladies play SK Slavia Prague, Champions League quarter-finalists last season, at the Stadion Halle-Neustadt (kick-off 15:00 CEST).
