Werder’s EURO 2008 finalists are back. On Monday morning, Torsten Frings, Clemens Fritz and Per Mertesacker began training at the Weser Stadium. The trio began with a fitness test, just as their colleagues had 18 days previously, and started out with some laps of the track in familiar Bremen drizzle.
Clemens Fritz was feeling relaxed and ready to go after the European Championship final in Vienna, having spent a few days at home in Erfurt and “A couple of days on Ibiza. As I made my way back here from Erfurt yesterday I just began to think about how long ago it is that we left Bremen. I was surprised to realise it was nine weeks ago.”
“Quite some time has passed since the end of last season,” remarked Fritz, who is ready now to get stuck in with Werder:”I almost felt like I was flying as I went through the fitness test,” laughed the 27 year old, before acknowledging more seriously: “I’d say my battery is about 97% recharged. In a few days it would have been fully recharged but the training camp in Schruns is important. I really need to be there.”
Per Mertesacker is heading into pre-season preparations feeling a little weaker: “It really got me over the last couple of days. I’ve been carrying a heavy cold around for a while. I got through the fitness test but I am feeling a little low on energy. That’ll be ok though.” Before catching a cold, Mertesacker had the chance to relax on Mallorca following the strain of the EURO and, just like Torsten Frings, he’s raring to go: “We need to train hard now if we want to make a good start to the season.” - A comment the trainer will be only too happy to hear.