Markus Babbel’s training camp report

By: 21 | January 19th, 2009

Per the club web-site Markus Babbel issued the following q & a report on training camp:

What was more difficult, previously as a player putting in the hard work on the pitch or now as trainer taking responsibility?

Markus Babbel (laughing): “I prefer the responsibility as team boss. I can choose now what exercises I participate in and what I not to. No really, to be honest both have their appealing sides. As a player the time in preparation is extremely tough but necessary to achieve the required basis. As team boss I have to have a careful eye on everything but I know exactly how the players feel.”

How do the players feel?

Markus Babbel: “They are well aware of the effort they put in over the past few days and they’ll be feeling it too. Everyone worked really well and no one let us down. I’m very satisfied with the way the team presented itself.”

You had a new man in Timo Gebhart taking part. Could he be an alternative to the departed Pavel Pardo in the second half of the season?

Markus Babbel: “Timo has what it takes to play an important role in the Bundesliga. We are completely convinced by his ability and that’s why we wanted to sign him. He is still very young and having come from the second division he will need time to develop here with VfB. He made a good first impression and is daily becoming more open. He will get his chance but he is not a replacement for Pavel.”

Are you concerned with the present injury situation

Markus Babbel: “No, we don’t have any serious injury problems. Muscular problems are nothing unusual with the intensity of the training camp. The lads just have to get used to the strain. Aside from Ciprian Marica’s muscle sinew tear we had no real problems. We should be able to start the second half of the season with almost the complete squad.”