From breakfast to lights out: What a day at training camp looks like.
After arriving on Sunday, the Wolves completed their first full day at training camp on Monday. Alongside the two daily training sessions, there are plenty of other preparations on the agenda. The players' schedule is tightly packed. Here's a recap of the first day of training in the Weimarer Land region:
8:00am – The day begins
A few Wolves are already there, but most arrive a little later. For those who prefer a quiet breakfast, now is the perfect time.
8:45am – CK testing
While some are still having breakfast, work has already begun for many others. In another room, CK testing – a type of blood test – is being carried out.
10:00am – Team meeting
There isn't much time to spend in the rooms after breakfast, as it's time for the team meeting in the golf lodge. Shortly before training, the day's objectives and schedule are discussed.
10:23am – Heading to the training ground
Immediately after the meeting, the resort's golf carts, which the Wolves already know from last year, come into use. Time to head off! The Wolves make their way to the training pitches.
10:40am – Activation
As the resort covers an area of 450 hectares, it takes the Wolves a few minutes to reach the training ground in their golf carts. In addition to the two pitches, which are located on a hill, there is also a stand for the travelling fans and members of the media. Before taking to the pitch, however, the players warm up in the gym.
11:03am – First training session
The first session on the grass gets underway. With views across the forests of Thuringia, the conditions are pleasant despite temperatures reaching 18 degrees at times. Head coach Tobias Strobl praises the facilities, and his players are also happy with the conditions on site. The first session focuses on set-piece training.
11:58am – Weather changes during training
Clouds gather overhead, the temperature drops and before long a light drizzle begins. The team are actually due to head back to the hotel soon, but as coach Strobl says in his interview after training, the lads are still eager to play, so the first session is extended at short notice. The defenders practise headers, while the forwards work on their finishing.
12:38pm – Time for autographs
After the first training session, it's time for the fans who have travelled to the Weimarer Land region. Before heading back to the hotel, the players stop to sign autographs and pose for photos.
1:30pm – Lunch
Right on schedule at 1:30pm, it's time for the second meal of the day.
3:23pm – A slight change of plans
The afternoon training session was originally scheduled to start at 4:00pm. However, the second session of the day is brought forward by half an hour. Jakub Zielinski and Kamil Grabara still arrive seven minutes early. The two goalkeepers have come by bike. Just a few minutes later, Pavao Pervan follows. The rest of the Wolves jog straight from the hotel to the gym.
3:34pm – Strength work to a loud soundtrack
The music is turned up. Press-ups and stretching exercises are on the programme. Meanwhile, weights are being lifted at the bench press – complete with a few friendly internal competitions.
4:27pm – One-on-one discussions
The gym session lasts around an hour before the players jog back to the main complex. It's then time for individual discussions with the coaching staff.
6:57pm – Dinner
The last few players make their way to the tables in the hotel's restaurant area. Dinner is about to begin.
8:00pm – Winding down
It's the final item on the day's schedule. After dinner, there's one last team meeting in the golf lodge. After that, the Wolves have some free time. Some gather together in the lobby. On the previous evening, the day they arrived, the team watched the FIFA Club World Cup final together. Monday evening, by contrast, is a little quieter. Hardly surprising, with another early start ahead – the next day at training camp brings two more intensive sessions and plenty more hard work.
