ROSLER: HOFFENHEIM A 'TOP DRAWER' TEST

ROSLER: HOFFENHEIM A \'TOP DRAWER\' TEST

Head coach previews Saturday's friendly in Norway...

Uwe Rosler is expecting a "top drawer" test when his United side face Hoffenheim in Norway later today (3pm kick-off UK time, commentary on LUTV).

Rosler’s squad departed Austria yesterday afternoon following a week-long training camp, and they will now face the Bundesliga outfit at Lillestrom’s Arasen Stadion to bring their pre-season tour to a close.

“I think it will be a good test,” the head coach said. “Hopefully we will have three, four or five thousand there and Lillestrom can also earn a little bit of money.

“The test will be top drawer and then we’re heading home afterwards.

“We are now in the last day of our training camp. We’ve been away, working hard under difficult conditions in terms of the heat.

“Heading into the last game there’s always an element of mental tiredness – not so much physical because I think we recovered well after the game against Frankfurt.

“Physically we are ready; hopefully we can push mentally one more time before we head home.”

On the injury front, Rosler says there are a couple of minor issues which are a by-product of returning to pre-season friendlies, but the head coach insists there is nothing overly concerning.

“We have bits and pieces,” he said. “Playing games now, there is always impact and bruises – but no soft tissue injuries which is the most important thing at this time of the year.

“We’ve balanced the training and we’re working a lot on tactics now and focusing on the games.

“We want one more push today.

“It’s been a good week. Today is a big day and I think it will sum up the week we’ve had away from home.

“Overall, I’m very pleased. The staff have worked extremely hard and the players have worked extremely hard and I think the group worked together a little bit more, knowing about each other and knowing what to expect from each other.

“I think it was really important for football reasons and also social reasons to go to Austria.”

On returning to Lillestrom, where his playing career ended and his coaching career began, Rosler added: “I have good memories and I’ve already seen one or two friends.

“The hotel is good and now we’re preparing for the last few hours before the game.

“This place brings back only good memories. I finished my career here as a player, got support when I was sick and I had a really good bond with the supporters.

“Then I started my coaching career here.

“It’s a nice stadium, it’s a cosy place. When it’s full – 12,000 – it’s an intimidating place.”

LUTV subscribers will be able to listen to full match commentary live from the Arasen Stadion this afternoon (3pm kick-off UK time).

X