The Germany players were in a good mood as they took to the training ground after a short warm-up in the fitness tent. One player could not work with Joachim Löw's squad in the morning sun in South Tyrol: Jérôme Boateng. The 29-year-old, who was out of action with a thigh problem recently, continued his individual programme indoors. The Germany coaches did not want to take any risks so that the 2014 world champion will be in best shape for the first World Cup match in Russia.
"It isn't decisive if he resumes the squad programme a day sooner or later, but that he'll be available for the World Cup," declared Löw's assistant Marcus Sorg at the press conference after the training session. In the current phase the coaches want to give the players the possibility to complete individual programmes, said Sorg. The tactical fine-tuning process will begin next week, so Boateng has enough time.
Manuel Neuer can take his time too. After recovering from his foot injury the 32-year-old has resumed the full squad programme and is set to get match practice in the dress rehearsals against the Germany U-20s on Monday and Wednesday. Löw and goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke will talk to Neuer to determine for how long he will play, but there is no reason not to play for an extended time, according to Sorg. "Subjectively Manuel Neuer is making a very good impression," assured the 52-year-old.
Topics of this article