The first stage

Before the first drinks could be distributed or grills heated up, there was initially still a bit of what the Eisernen had come to the training camp for: football. For part of the team, the day began with a short session on the pitch, after which everyone set off together. From the hotel, the route led on foot through the town back to the training grounds.

Along the way, the first tasks were already assigned. While some were still discussing marinades and ingredients, others took care of the final details regarding the drink selection. The conversations were quite reminiscent of a match day preparation. However, this time, neither running patterns nor set pieces were on the agenda, but rather the question of when the grill should reach its operational temperature.

Stability in the buildup

That the center-backs Zeno Van den Bosch and Marvin Friedrich ended up in the buildup was hardly a coincidence. While they provide stability on the pitch, this time they laid the foundation for a successful afternoon. The defensive work began long before the first grill items were on the rack. And there was plenty to organize and carry.

The Last in the Chain

Meanwhile, the goalkeepers were responsible for the beverage supply. Birthday boy Frederik Rönnow, Matheo Raab, and Carl Klaus took over the tap system and kept an eye on the beverage stand at all times. A task that should feel quite familiar to them. After all, goalkeepers are used to keeping an overview from the back, organizing events, and giving the right commands at the right moment.

Behind the counter, the trio operated as confidently as they do between the posts. They had the drinks under control at all times, even though the service occasionally showed its peculiarities. When asked for a water, Carl Klaus replied dryly: “Then get it yourself.” The message could not have been clearer: Self-service was the rule for water.

The Preparer

While others set up the grill or served drinks, Aljoscha Kemlein was busy with the preparations for the communal meal. The midfielder chopped vegetables, prepared ingredients, and ensured that everything would be ready on time later. A task that fits his profile quite well. After all, it is also one of the strengths of the six on the football pitch to prepare situations and set up his teammates. Instead of goal assists, Kemlein this time provided the foundation for a balanced meal.

The head coach with the playlist

When Mauro Lustrinelli talks about getting into the right rhythm, it doesn’t necessarily have to be related to football. During the barbecue afternoon, the head coach took his place behind the DJ booth and became the musical conductor of the day. He put together the playlist in a way similar to a starting lineup: varied, balanced, and clearly with a good sense for the moment.

Experience at the Grill

The most important task of the afternoon naturally lay in the hands of the veterans. Christopher Trimmel, Rani Khedira, Janik Haberer, and Tim Skarke took on the grilling duty, which was precisely the part that all eyes were on in the end.

With their experience, they kept an overview even with rising temperatures and ensured that the preparation work of their teammates eventually ended up on the plates. A role that also reminded one of football. Because there, too, players are needed who take responsibility at the decisive moment and successfully finish the attacks.

The day demonstrated what a training camp comprises beyond the sessions on the field: different tasks, different characters, and yet a common goal. Whether it was a barbecue tongs, playlist, or entertainment, everyone took on responsibility and contributed. Just like on the football field, much works off the pitch only when everyone does their part and brings the right energy. The barbecue afternoon was not a football match. However, the ingredients for a successful team effort were the same.

Quote of the Day: “When I sang here for the first time, you were still 14,” said Marvin Friedrich with a wink to Ilyas Ansah, as Friedrich had to step up for singing again during his return.

The diary entries at a glance: