FC Erzgebirge Aue Swaps Mediterranean Training for Home-Based Preparations
The third-division soccer powerhouse, FC Erzgebirge Aue, is opting out of a sunny training camp during the winter break, choosing instead to hone their skills at home. Spending tens of thousands of euros on a Mediterranean getaway during a period of rising costs and crowd funding initiatives wouldn't sit well with the club's supporters and members, sporting director Matthias Heidrich explained in a Tuesday press release.
Instead, the Saxonians will gear up for the second half of the season with three tests matches in familiar territories. "Fortunately, we have impeccable facilities at our stadium and a dedicated fan base that supports us no matter what," Heidrich noted. The trio of matches includes a showdown against 2. Bundesliga contender Hertha BSC on January 6, a regional league rival, ZFC Meuselwitz, on January 10, and a faceoff against Energie Cottbus, their league peers, on January 13. The locations of these tests remain up in the air.
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While the decision to bypass the Mediterranean retreat isn't explicitly explained in the available sources, some factors may have contributed to the choice:
- Covid-19 Contingencies: The pandemic could have necessitated modifications to conventional training camp arrangements prioritizing safety above travel and accommodation costs.
- Player Availability: Coordinating the release and return of loan players or juggling individual schedules, especially during off-season, might have prompted the club to opt for local preparations.
- Competitive Balance: Strengthening their team performance through testing matches could help maintain a competitive edge in the league, especially against other teams that might choose to travel during the break.
