1899 Hoffenheim get started with preparations for the new season

Without World Cup participants Isaac Vorsah, Prince Tagoe and Chinedu Obasi, as well as Demba Ba and Matthias Jaissle, Hoffenheim began with some tests to find out the stamina of the players. Brazilian midfielder Carlos Eduardo also sat out training because of an eardrum operation, as did Franco Zuculini (virus), Maicosuel, Wellington and Andreas Beck (extended holiday). Head coach Ralf Rangnick also welcomed the returning Ramazan Özcan and also new recruits Tom Starke and Peniel Mlapa. After the departure of fitness trainer Rainey Schrey, new fitness trainer Christof Elser has taken over responsibility of Hoffenheim's fitness programme. Marco Pezzaiuoli was also introduced to the players for the new first time as the new assistant manager of Hoffenheim.

It was a long day for the 1899 Hoffenheim players. At ten o'clock, the fitness tests began with some power and flexibility exercises. "I've noticed straight away how keen everyone is for the start of the new season", said new signing Tom Starke. After a small pause, there were some health tests. "Basically it's about finding out which parts of their bodies the players need to really work on, so they can avoid any muscular injuries during the season", said Yannick Obenauer, who is part of the team assessing the fitness of the players. Finally, there was a stamina test. It was hot day at the training centre; Rangnick's troops were coping well in the 30 degree heat. "It was certainly hard work", said Josip Simunic. Fitness coach Christof Elser was satisfied with the first session: "It seems that they have been working heard to keep fit during the off-season". On Tuesday, the players will return to the training pitch in Zuzenhausen, before heading off to their training camp in Baiersbronn on Wednesday.