The temperatures this week have been icy cold and are made even more severe by strong winds, which have led to a chilly experience for more than just the on-lookers who have been watching the VfB players at work in training. The weather conditions are all the more reason for VfB midfielder Timo Gebhart & Co. to train with even more impetus, as they prepare for the clash with FC Schalke 04 at the VELTINS-Arena on Friday evening. "It is really very cold at the moment but we are working hard and doing everything to ensure our success. That warms you up," said Gebhart following yesterday's training session, during which trainer Christian Gross separated his players into four groups following an intensive warm-up programme.
Closing the gap on international places
With the exceptions of the injured Sven Ulreich and Arthur Boka, the complete squad were able to participate in the session - meaning Christian Gross will have almost all of his players available for selection on Friday evening, when the target will be to close the gap on the international qualifying places in the Bundesliga table. The coach will have to make do without the services of captain Matthieu Delpierre, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Bremen last weekend. The order may be a tall one but Schalke can come.
