The Wolves returned to Germany from their training camp in Almancil on Friday evening, and face TSG Hoffenheim in their first game of the year less than 24 hours later.
“Lay down a marker”
“We made good use of the time, had good weather and an excellent pitch,” said Ralph Hasenhüttl of the conditions at the nine-day camp in the Algarve. The head coach was equally satisfied with his players’ performances: “They gave it their all and worked hard.” Hasenhüttl is now hoping his team will “lay down a marker” against Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Busy schedule
The fixture not only marks VfL’s first game of the new year, it also kick-starts a busy period for the Wolves, with further league games on Tuesday at home to Borussia Mönchengladbach (kick-off 20:30 CET) and then away to Bayern Munich on Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CET).
“It’s certainly a challenge straight after the winter break but it’s the same for all teams,” said Hasenhüttl. “It’s good that we were able to prepare so intensively for this busy schedule.”
