Nico Schlotterbeck raring to go for the start of the new season

Nico Schlotterbeck is delighted to be back at Borussia Dortmund for pre-season, and is looking forward to the start of the new campaign.

The start of the new season is upon us and preparations are in full swing at Borussia Dortmund, with the first-team squad set to head to Bad Ragaz, Switzerland this week for a training camp. The players who were involved at the European Championship are also back in Dortmund, and underwent their performance diagnostics tests on Wednesday.

One of those players is Nico Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as a vital part of the Borussia Dortmund squad since his move from SC Freiburg two years ago. The centre-back is primed to be a leader in the team this season, and is excited to get going. "I'm incredibly happy and really looking forward to it. I haven't seen the lads for a long time. Eight weeks have passed since the Champions League final," the defender told the BVB website.

Nico Schlotterbeck: The coach will demand a lot from us in pre-season

According to Schlotterbeck, the Bad Ragaz training camp with offer Borussia Dortmund with the ideal preparation for the start of the new season. "The conditions in Bad Ragaz are excellent. The hotel complex is outstanding. We will really enjoy it. I think the coach will demand a lot from us in pre-season. Of course, we will have to run a lot and work a lot on tactics. We will be use the coming weeks to prepare for the start of the Bundesliga season."

Schlotterbeck was ever-present for Borussia Dortmund last season as they reached the UEFA Champions League final. The 24 year old will have his sights set on playing an important role once again this season, and will look to pick up right where he left off.