Aue forgoes trip to the south during winter break

Third division soccer club FC Erzgebirge Aue is foregoing a training camp in warmer climes during the month-long winter break. "A training camp in the Mediterranean costs tens of thousands of euros with all the trimmings. In times of fee increases and crowdfunding measures, such a trip would send the wrong signal to our fans and members," said sporting director Matthias Heidrich in a club press release on Tuesday. Instead, FC Erzgebirge will complete their preparations at home and play three test matches.

"At home, we are in familiar surroundings and have really good conditions thanks to our stadium brigade," said Heidrich, who also pointed out that not everyone would find it easy to adjust to the local temperatures on their return from the south. The test match opponents are second division side Hertha BSC on January 6, regional league side ZFC Meuselwitz on January 10 and their league rivals Energie Cottbus on January 13. Where these matches will be played will be decided at short notice.