Michael Hefele feels very much at home as Huddersfield Town complete their pre-season schedule in Austria.
That’s not just because the 25-year-old German defender has had a warm reception from Town’s fans and been impressed by David Wagner’s squad.
But he came through the youth system at opponents FC Ingolstadt and insists they provide an excellent final Bundesliga test before the Championship proper.
“I’m very excited and can’t wait for the season to begin,” said the former Dynamo Dresden captain.
“Training has been very intense, but we are getting better and better and we have a lot of players who are on the same good level.
“We have a big squad, too, which is important to get us through the season, because there are many, many games in the Champonship and it’s important for everyone to be able to make us successful as a group.”
Hefele – already popular among supporters as Town gear for the Brentford opener – has strong connections to Ingolstadt.
“They were my first league team and I played all through the youth to Under 19s there,” he said.
“They are my home club really, only half an hour from where I grew up, and they are a good club, a really good test for us to have after Werder Bremen.
“Everyone is looking to do their best because everyone is looking forward to the first game against Brentford and wants to be in the starting line-up.
“It’s important to finish our work here in Austria well, too, and everyone is keen to show their ability with the best performance we can give.”
