FC Carl Zeiss Jena Prepares for Upcoming Regionalliga Season Under Marco Grote

The FC Carl Zeiss Jena officially commenced preparations for the upcoming Regionalliga Nordost season on June 17, marking the first on-pitch session for new head coach Marco Grote at the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld. The club, which is currently restructuring its squad under the guidance of Sporting Director Miroslav Jovic, aims to build consistency during this summer training phase before the league campaign begins in late July.

What is the strategy for the 2024/2025 preseason?

Head coach Marco Grote is prioritizing squad integration and tactical familiarization during these initial training sessions. According to club reports, Grote initiated contact with the majority of the players via telephone in the weeks leading up to the start date to establish expectations. The current training program emphasizes gradual physical conditioning and spatial awareness on the pitch rather than high-intensity load, allowing the team to adapt to new tactical exercises under Grote’s leadership.

Who is participating in the training sessions?

The roster currently features a mix of returning players and those with uncertain contract statuses. Alexander Prokopenko, whose contract is nearing its end, participated in the opening sessions, while defensive leader Sören Reddemann was absent due to ongoing contract negotiations. Additionally, the club confirmed that Amar Suljic is currently sidelined with an infection, and Lennox Fink is recovering from an adductor injury. Sporting Director Miroslav Jovic is actively overseeing the sessions from the sidelines as the club evaluates its personnel needs for the upcoming year.

What is the upcoming test match schedule?

The FC Carl Zeiss Jena has organized a series of regional and high-profile friendly matches to prepare for the Nordostdeutsche Fußballverband (NOFV) league kickoff. The schedule includes a mix of local appearances and matches against professional clubs:

• June 20: SV 08 Rothenstein (away)
• June 24: Uhlstädter SV (away)
• June 26: SV Thalbürgel (away)
• July 12: 1. FC Union Berlin (home at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld)
• July 17: SpVgg Bayreuth (away)
• August 1: Bayer 04 Leverkusen (home at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld)

The league season is expected to officially commence on the weekend of July 24–26, according to the NOFV schedule. These test matches serve as the final evaluation phase for Grote to determine his starting lineup before the competitive fixtures begin.

Key Takeaways

• Coaching Transition: Marco Grote has taken over as head coach, focusing on tactical cohesion and player familiarization.
• Roster Status: Key personnel decisions, including Sören Reddemann’s contract status, remain pending.
• Preseason Intensity: The club is focusing on field adaptation and technical drills rather than immediate high-intensity physical training.
• Public Engagement: The club continues its “FCC-Tour through the region” with matches against local amateur sides alongside high-profile tests against Bundesliga teams like Union Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen.

The club’s management remains focused on balancing these exhibition matches with the requirement for a successful start to the Regionalliga season. Fans can follow the progress of the team through official club communications as the squad prepares for their competitive opener in late July.