Rostock (dpa/mv) - After a ten-day Christmas break, second division soccer team FC Hansa Rostock is starting the new year with a "full band". Coach Patrick Glöckner expects almost all top performers to be back at the start of training on Monday. "We're almost full and will use the first few sessions to get the players used to the ball and the field," said the 46-year-old.
In addition to defender Nico Neidhart (nose operation), striker John Verhoek is also fit after recovering from a torn lateral ligament. "John will take it easy for the first few sessions, but should get back into it at the latest in the training camp," reported Glöckner. In addition, storm talent Theo Martens (19), who had been suspended under ex-coach Jens Härtel, is back in the professional squad.
However, Hansa still has to do without Maurice Litka and Lukas Scherff. The long-term injured complete their rehabilitation after knee operations. Attacker Pascal Breier is fighting for the connection after knee and back problems. "Pascal had a few muscular problems before the break. We have to see how he worked over the holidays and whether he's ready to start training," said the Hansa coach.
The Rostock team will start their ten-day training camp in Turkey on Thursday. In Belek, the table ninth wants to get the finishing touches for the second half of the season. "We will work physically and technically and tactically to be as prepared as possible," announced Glöckner.
Hansa is planning two to three test matches on site, the opponents should be announced at the beginning of the week. In these games, some young players also get the chance to show themselves. After their return, the Rostockers will play one last preparatory game behind closed doors on January 21st against the Polish champions Lech Poznan. On January 28 (1 p.m. / Sky), FC Hansa will start the second half of the second division with a difficult guest appearance at 1. FC Heidenheim.
