For the 12th time, Werder Bremen will be leaving Saturday morning to Belek for a training camp as the Green-Whites prepare for the start of the second half of the season along the Turkish Riviera. For many Werder players, the annual trip after the change of the calendar has become a tradition. But the many newcomers are curiously awaiting the training camp.

Assani Lukimya is expecting a different program in Belek than the training camp program this past summer. "As opposed to the summer, Belek is short and sweet. Since we all are still pretty fit it will be less about conditioning and more about game playing aspects. Still, of course we will have to go out all from day one," said the centre back.

The new father is no stranger to Turkey. "I was in Antalya a couple times a few years ago with Hertha BSC and completed my season preparations there. But I was never in Belek," said the 26-year-old Lukimya about his time in the youth ranks with the Berlin club. "I am looking forward to how the conditions are there."

Belek also has a special connection for Werder leftback Eljero Elia, who completed his very first training camp as a professional in the small Turkish city. "We had a nice hotel but mainly trained really hard," recalled the Dutchman. Elia can expect some tough sessions this year as well. "It's all about getting back to 100 per cent. We had a good two weeks off, now we have to fully concentrate on football again."

Nils Petersen is one of those curious about the working visit to Turkey. "I am looking forward to the training camp. Belek is known as a stronghold. Many other Bundesliga teams have prepared for the second half there. My teammates have told me that there are optimal conditions in Belek. We want to use the week well," said Werder's top scorer of the first half.