This week it was back to business for the squad following their Christmas breaks. The players were actually put through their paces for the first time in 2014 on Tuesday, as they were all required to complete compulsory fitness tests, easing their way back into the slow process building up towards match fitness.With the exceptions of Marcel Sabitzer, Dominik Starkl (both participating compulsory service with the Federal Army, both will however be available for the training camp) and Stephan Palla (broken collarbone during the holidays, will be unavailable for an extended period) the whole squad were present and able. For the past two weeks each player has been working on a specialised home training programme, and the tests conducted were looking to measure at what starting point each player finds himself. Mario Sonnleitner, Thanos Petsos (see picture) and co. completed a series of strength and endurance tests, including sessions on the treadmill.Athletic Trainer Alexander Steinbichler: "Now we've measured the current condition of the players we'll have a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each individual athlete and work on these accordingly. Then we'll all be able to to make an equally good - and of course importantly fit - start in the new year!"Two friendlies during Training CampDuring the winter training camp in Side (Turkey) Steffen Hofmann & Co. will take on two teams from the German second division in friendly matches. On 20th January Rapid take on Arminia Bielefeld, currently 15th in the league, then two days later on the 22nd the boys are back in action against SC Paderborn 07. The Blue-Whites from Westphalia are currently on the fringes of the promotion battle, just two points off third in 7th place. The exact details regarding kick off times will be arranged shortly.Before and after the training camp in Turkey two further friendlies matches are pencilled in, we'll keep you updated and let you know as soon as there is more concrete information.(gw)
10.01.2014