Schlager, Gulácsi, Ouédraogo: finally back out on the pitch | OneFootball

Freshly mowed grass, lush green and perfectly cut. A light shower falls on the training pitches, just before the session gets underway – and just long enough to fill the air with that summer smell of rain. 

Numerous fans stand on the sideline, eagerly awaiting the chance for autographs. But focus is on three names, who have been absent from the pitches for so long, as well as one further player, who is attracting ever more attention.

I) Xaver Schlager – Straight back into the action

Xaver Schlager took part in the first small-sided games in his usual manner, bringing power, presence and the constant desire to win the ball back. The fact that he has been out since the home game against Dortmund is particularly evident from how closely everyone is monitoring his workload.

Xaver would love to go at it with the utmost intensity; however today he still had to take it easy. And yet, when heading for the dressing room after just under an hour, he still took the time to sign autographs and smile for photos. "Great to see you back on the pitch," a fan calls out to him.

Xaver nodded as if that were almost as important as the next pass.

II) Assan Ouédraogo – A touch of cheekiness

A few metres further forward, Assan Ouédraogo also caught the eye. He got involved in much of the team training, again with the ball at his feet, and again showcasing those little ideas that cannot be coached. Even early on, that was clear to see: a cheeky touch, a backheel, a diagonal ball that sliced the pitch in half.

The 19-year-old is gradually making his comeback after a tendon injury sustained in mid-January – even though no one is putting him under pressure, his hunger is evident. 

III) Player in focus: Sani provides impetus and timing

Suleman Sani stood out in the small-sided games not only for being quick on his feet and technically sound but also for his remarkable jumping power and explosive timing when the ball arrives at him high or space suddenly opens up. At one point, he failed to beat the fast reactions of Maarten Vandevoordt, who made an excellent save. These sorts of duels stick in the mind, when speed goes up against reaction, and idea versus reflex.

Sani showed himself to not just being one-dimensional. Sometimes, he would run to the by-line and sometimes cut inside. He proved tricky to read and tricky to get a grip on. When something didn't quite come off, then he would make sure to put that right with his next involvement.

It waits to be seen on Sunday whether his displays prove worthy of an inclusion in the squad to face VfB, but he has nevertheless left his mark on training.

IV) Péter Gulácsi – Step-by-step

A few metres further on, Péter Gulácsi had already returned to the pitch yesterday, visibly happy to be out of the gym and back on the field. After tearing the medial ligament in his left knee in mid-February, he is working on his rehabilitation programme with goalkeeping coach Freddy Gössling.

The three returning players all left a clear and positive signal, making a good impression. Sani is noticeably finding his feet more and more in training. This afternoon's session at Cottaweg went exactly as the fans love to see it: intense and fast-paced.

Discover more

Fixtures Red Bull Arena Men's first team Jugendförderung Fan zone