The Werkself squad for the training camp in Brazil

Goal: Lukas Hradecky, Mark Flekken, Niklas Lomb, Simeon Rapsch (U19)

Defence: Piero Hincapie, Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba, Arthur, Axel Tape, Alejandro Grimaldo, Jeanuel Belocian, Nebe Domnic (U19), Ben Hawighorst (U19), Ferdinand Pohl (U19), Osman Turay (U19)

Midfield: Jonas Hofmann, Robert Andrich, Exequiel Palacios, Ibrahim Maza, Granit Xhaka, Montrell Culbreath (U19), Jeremiah Mensah (U19), Emmanuel Owen (U19)

Attack: Patrik Schick, Alejo Sarco, Amine Adli, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Christian Kofane, Dustin Buck (U19), Ken Izekor (U19)

Aleix Garcia has not travelled to Brazil. The Spaniard is currently receiving treatment in Leverkusen for a minor muscle injury and will join the squad as soon as possible.

Rolfes: "create strong team spirit"

Managing director sports Simon Rolfes said immediately before departure: “We are very much looking forward to the spirit of the people in South America and the passionate approach to football out there." Referring to the new signings including Mark Flekken, Axel Tape and Ibrahim Maza, the 43-year-old added: "It's very important to have the new signings on board so they can get to know the team and have a feeling for the group. And the two lads who will follow on as well (Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane, ed.). Over the last few years we have always stood out as a strong team with strong team spirit. We want to create that again this year to be successful and to compete."

After a short birthday serenade for Jonas Hofmann on the plane – with typical Brazilian music – the plane then makes its way onto the runway. A 12-hour flight begins!

training camp timetable

An overview of what awaits the Werkself in Rio de Janeiro in addition to a large number of training sessions can be found HERE. All the information and news for the days ahead are available HERE.