The German U-21 national team returns to action after their successful 2017 UEFA European U-21 Championship campaign in June. The reigning champions have now started into the new season as the squad assembled at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte in Marienfeld, Germany on Monday afternoon.

Head coach Stefan Kuntz has the task to build a new competitive team since the core of the European U-21 Championship winning squad is not eligible anymore to play in the U-21 age group. The 23-member squad consists of six 2017 UEFA European U-21 Championship winners and 15 debutants among others.

The team had a first training session yesterday evening at the Klosterpforte, which is well-known for its world-class FIFA approved facilities. Kuntz welcomed his team before he conducted a light training session.

Germany will face Hungary in a friendly match at the Benteler-Arena in Paderborn on Friday (September 1) and Kosovo in a 2019 UEFA European U-21 Championship Qualifier at the Stadion an der Bremer Brücke in Osnabrück on Tuesday (September 5).

I had the opportunity to witness the first training session, meet former Germany international Stefan Kuntz and click a few pictures of the beautiful facilites which regularly host top football clubs and national teams from all around the world.

The Germany U-21 national team bus featuring the DFB and Mercedes-Benz logo. (© CPD Football)

The Germany U-21 national team bus featuring the DFB and Mercedes-Benz logo. (© CPD Football)

A beautiful view to the world-class FIFA approved training pitches at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte. (© CPD Football)

A beautiful view to the world-class FIFA approved training pitches at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte. (© CPD Football)

A beautiful view to the world-class FIFA approved training pitches at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte. (© CPD Football)

Germany U-21 head coach Stefan Kuntz and Chris Punnakkattu Daniel at the Hotel-Residence Klosterpforte. (© CPD Football)