+++ Oelschlägel on standby: 20-year-old Eric Oelschlägel is about to begin an Olympic adventure. Germany start their three-day preparation in Frankfurt on Thursday, before flying to Brazil on Saturday. As third-choice goalkeeper, “Oeler” was not named in the 18-man squad, but is ready on standby should there be an injury. Nevertheless, the keeper seems happy with his role as back-up: “I am not in the squad, but I am still a part of the team and will train with them just like I usually do. I will sit on the bench for the matches – not as a squad player, but giving the team moral support.” The Werder goalkeeper is looking forward to being a part of Olympics history. “I was really pleased to get the big call from the DFB, and it took a couple of days to sink in. There is huge anticipation. Not many German goalkeepers get the chance to experience something like this.“
Oelschlägel did not have to travel alone. Dr. Hubertus Hess-Grunewald also made his way from Zillertal. Werder’s president spent the last few days with the team to get an idea of the work that is going on in the training camp. Hess-Grunewald will now travel back to Bremen. +++