Bundesliga Daily: 16 August
Bundesliga Daily keeps you right up to date with all the important events concerning the 18 Bundesliga clubs. Here's all you need to know from 16 August...
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Geis ready to take the next step
Johannes Geis has been in good form during pre-season and is confident of taking another step forward in his development in his second season with FC Schalke 04. “I’m feeling good,” said the 22-year-old, who scored a sensational free-kick in the Royal Blues’ 3-2 win over Athletic Club to add to the two assists he has racked up in recent weeks.
Having signed from 1. FSV Mainz 05 last summer there was a lot of anticipation surrounding Geis’ performances in his first season with Schalke. Injury setbacks and a lengthy suspension did not help in reaching the lofty expectations placed upon him, but the midfielder is refusing to put too much pressure on himself ahead of the 2016/17 campaign. “I’m pleased just to have been able to take part in the entire pre-season,” said Geis.
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Bayern duo put in the extra miles
While Jerome Boateng can only speculate as to whether he will be fit in time to feature in FC Bayern München’s season opener against SV Werder Bremen, it appears Holger Badstuber and Douglas Costa are both on track to be available for new head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The rest of the squad were given a day off following their Supercup exploits against Borussia Dortmund, but in their bids to return to full fitness Badstuber and Costa both completed a strenuous session at the club's Säbener Straße complex. Ancelotti is unlikely to take too many risks with those returning from injury, including Arjen Robben and Renato Sanches, but the rumblings from within the Bayern camp suggest they are confident of having all their stars back for Matchday 2 following the international break.
Kalou and Weiser back in training
Hertha Berlin head coach Pal Dardai has been able to welcome two first-team regulars back into training. Salomon Kalou, who was granted a leave of absence by the club following the tragic passing of his father, has returned to the capital city ahead of the DFB Cup first Round, which gets underway on Friday. “I get the impression that Salomon has everything in check,” said Dardai. “Football will undoubtedly help him.”
Mitchell Weiser should also be available for the game against SSV Jahn Regensburg after putting a string of minor pre-season injuries behind him. The same cannot be said for summer signing Ondrej Duda, however. “We’re not putting ourselves under any pressure with him, but are instead trying to build him up slowly,” explained Dardai. “We need Ondrej for the whole season.”
Stöger not against an extended Horn absence
Things are on the up and up at 1. FC Köln. Their season opening took place on a gorgeous sunny Saturday afternoon in the Cathedral City, Jonas Hector and Leonardo Bittencourt have both signed long-term contract extensions and their undisputed No1 is doing his country proud at the Olympics in Brazil.
Timo Horn’s involvement in Rio de Janeiro will see him miss his side’s opening game of the season in the DFB Cup against BFC Preussen, but head coach Peter Stöger will nonetheless have his fingers crossed on Wednesday. “We’re hoping that he [Horn] will be able to celebrate the ultimate success."