Jan Kirchhoff is feeling sharp during the early stages of Sunderland’s Premier League preparations.
The German played a key role during the fight for survival following a January move from Bayern Munich, and he’s hit the ground running with the Black Cats currently undertaking a regimented training camp in Austria.
With three sessions per day putting the players through their paces peak fitness is the aim, and Kirchhoff has revealed the stellar programme is providing the perfect blueprint for the upcoming season.
“It’s been tough because we’ve had three sessions each day and each day we have taken up the intensity,” explained Kirchhoff. “It’s hard as I said but it’s what we need and we’re enjoying being close to each other and creating our team spirit.
“The schedule is perfect and it’s been really well organised. We have testing every morning to see how we feel as individuals and everyone is getting the best preparation they can.”
He continued: “This is my first pre-season with the club and I haven’t had a proper one for a long time, so for me its really enjoyable to work hard and feel my body getting in shape for the season.
“I’m already seeing the benefits of my work and it’s getting easier for me to play football, so I’m feeling much fitter now than when I came here.
“This will allow me to be a better footballer and play football in a better way.”
