Uwe Rosler is relishing the prospect of the forthcoming pre-season tour of Austria and Norway, saying the players will be able to "measure themselves against top opponents" over the next week.

United depart for Austria on Saturday for a week-long training camp – which includes a friendly fixture with Eintracht Frankfurt - before they head to Norway to meet another German outfit, Hoffenheim, in Lillestrom.

Having seen his side contest 1-1 draws with Harrogate Town and York City in their opening summer friendlies, Rosler now hopes to “expose” the players against top-half Bundesliga opposition as he looks to bring them up to match fitness.

“There are two options – you can go for a conditioning camp very early on or you can go for a playing camp just before the season starts,” the head coach explained.

“I wanted to go away and meet two very strong opponents to expose ourselves against teams where we have to run a lot and we have to chase a lot.

“We’ll be able to see where our fitness is at – German teams are normally very fit.

“I think it’s a great challenge – not only for us coaches – but for the players to measure themselves against top opponents.

“I’m very happy to have the two who we have lined up.

“It gives us the chance for the coaches and the players to get to know each other – they have time to talk and put certain things across in meetings. We’ll also have some off-field activities.”

Six days in Austria will culminate in the squad heading over to Norway, with United touching base on the Friday before taking on Hoffenheim the following day.

And the Scandinavian visit is a part of the tour which Rosler is particularly looking forward to.

“For me, personally, Lillestrom is in my heart,” he said. “It’s the club where I finished my career as a player and where I started my career as a coach.

“I have strong feelings for the club. Going there and playing there in the stadium against top opposition – and seeing a lot of friends – is a fantastic opportunity.

“Also, the fact that Leeds United has a very strong following in Norway – I think it’s the third or fourth biggest club in terms of support in Norway – it’s a fantastic opportunity for us as a team and as a club to show ourselves out there in Scandinavia.”

The club are anticipating large numbers of travelling supporters for both legs of the tour, and Rosler says it is the “duty” of his team to ensure that those making the trip have worthwhile journeys.

“Gunnar Halle – one of my best friends and my assistant for five years – told me all about Leeds United and the supporters in Scandinavia,” he said.

“I think that it’s so much fun when you’re going on a training camp and you know you have such a strong following.

“That motivates you as a player and as a coach because every game means something.

“We want to give something back to the supporters – they spend a lot of money and they give their holiday away to follow their team.

“It’s our duty to give everything we can for them to have a good time in Austria and Norway.”

How to follow United’s pre-season tour:
Here on leedsunited.com we’ll be bringing you exclusive content every day of the tour from within the camp, including behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, match reports and any breaking news as it happens. Our official Twitter account - @LUFC – will bring you team news and live updates of both games.

LUTV will also be out in Austria and Norway to follow United every step of the way, with live match commentary of both friendlies, highlights, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and much, much more. Click here to subscribe now for just £1 per week!

Pre-season tour fixtures:
Tuesday July 21 – Eintracht Frankfurt, Sportzentrum Eugendorf, Austria – 6.15pm kick-off
Saturday July 25 – Hoffenheim, Arasen Stadion, Lillestrom, Norway – 4pm kick-off