Overview

• Top-flight and second-division clubs have wrapped up their final preseason friendlies, drawing more than 80,000 fans to Schalke’s season opener and over 35,000 to Kaiserslautern’s anniversary showcase.
• High-profile tune-ups produced mixed outcomes with defensive lapses exposed in Schalke’s 2:4 loss to Sevilla, Hamburg’s 0:4 defeat by Lyon, Kaiserslautern’s 0:1 setback against Roma and Darmstadt’s 1:5 reversal at Hoffenheim.
• Injury issues emerged as critical challenges, with Schalke captain Nikola Katic’s concussion raising doubts over his season-opener participation.
• Transfer negotiations are ongoing, with 1. FC Köln pursuing Hoffenheim winger Marius Bülter and arranging loans for three academy prospects.
• Across Germany, coaches are calling for patience as they integrate new tactics, finalize rosters and ensure full fitness ahead of the season openers.