The four with the gloves

“The exercises I do with the lads I always adjust and agree in unity with Markus Gisdol. If the goalkeepers join the game later on, then they've got to be prepared to draw on their capabilities,” said Petry on Thursday morning after the first training day in Saalfelden.

On the day, that meant the following: “I hit the ball from a short distance away into different areas of the goal, in order to improve the reaction time of the goalkeeper. With the heading exercise that followed, that was important,” said Petry.

For most of the time, the goalkeeping coach stood around the penalty spot, or closer, and threw or kicked the ball towards the goal. Sometimes it was played flat; at other times it was heading towards the top corner. Casteels, Grahl and Paterok continuously made good saves. “Yes, well done,” commented the coach.

The exercises were regularly combined with balls into the area from wide positions. The two goalkeepers not protecting the goal looked to secure the ball. The atmosphere between the three was relaxed and positive, but they stayed focussed on their work. On more than one occasion, they applauded each other for their efforts.

An early shower for Jens Grahl

There were a number of opportunities to excel in Petry's aforementioned heading exercise. The outfield players crossed from both sides of the six-yard box and players who are strong in the air, such as Jannik Vestergaard, David Abraham and Niklas Süle, practised their heading without any defenders. This demanded reflexes and the goalkeepers managed to save most of the efforts. Abraham did have the most successful day though, nodding in header after header.

To finish, as the outfield players went for a warm-down, Petry took Casteels, Grahl and Paterok through one more drill. Nine shots in quick succession were hit from roughly 16 yards out; Casteels and Co. leapt through the air to keep the balls out of the top corner. To add to the softness of their landing, the goal area was watered down for the exercise. The high temperatures in Salzburg have made the ground extremely hard. Jens Grahl took the opportunity to have an early shower. What his spot on the bus looked like is something only the players will know…