MARBELLA (dpa-AFX) - Borussia Dortmund has gone into lockdown at its training camp in Marbella, entering the crucial phase of preparations ahead of the Bundesliga restart. After a rest day on Monday, head coach Niko Kovac called his team back onto the pitch in Spain on Tuesday—behind closed doors. The squad is also scheduled to train in secret on Wednesday and Thursday on the Costa del Sol, now enjoying perfect sunny weather.
"We are all glad that we went into the break in second place, but there is definitely room for improvement," said Germany international Felix Nmecha. According to Waldemar Anton, the team specifically aims to "improve tactically and on set pieces." The national defender also sees potential for progress in their overall play ahead of the first match of the year on Friday (8:30 p.m./Sat.1 and Sky) at Eintracht Frankfurt.
A lot of work ahead for the team and sporting director Kehl
On Sunday, it rained non-stop for hours. The team used the occasion to bond over a team dinner at a restaurant, gearing up for the second half of the season. "Securing a Champions League spot is our minimum target, and we want to achieve it as early as possible," demanded sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
Kehl also faces contract talks through Thursday. Among others, the futures of Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Brandt, and Emre Can remain unresolved. At least one player, Julien Duranville, could still be transferred before the end of January./lap/DP/mis
