Ridle Baku: "That’s where true team spirit is built" | OneFootball

Before heading to the training camp in Donaueschingen on Wednesday, Ridle Baku and his teammates had a special event at Cottaweg. Around 200 youngsters from RBL's youth club Bullis Bande and the club's academy were in attendance to watch training up close, before later chatting with their idols.

“We were all their age once and looked up to the older players. It feels great to give something back to the kids today,” said the 27-year-old after the autograph session.

As of this season, Ridle has officially taken on the role of captain for Bullis Bande – a responsibility he takes to heart: “I want to be someone they can turn to. The kids should get a glimpse into our everyday life. Not everyone knows what we go through all day – both on and off the pitch.”

Running drills in front of the fans

Before the selfies and chats began, it was time to lace up the running shoes and sweat it out. The last session of the day was no easy task either. "It was very intense again today – but that’s exactly what we need right now. We worked well."

Looking back on the first full week of training, Ridle’s review is also positive, especially after the 3-0 win in the friendly against Meuselwitz: "For our first outing, it was a good sign. In the training camp, we want to focus even more on the specifics when we face Toulouse."

But Ridle didn’t just leave a lasting impression with the youngsters today - he’s also been performing excellently on the pitch. According to the coaching staff and his teammates, he was one of the fittest players at the start of pre-season, though he humbly puts it down to sticking to the instructions: “I just followed the guidelines,” he said with a grin. “But overall, you have to say, everyone came back at a very solid level."

Looking ahead to Donaueschingen

Ridle’s excitement about the upcoming training camp is clearly evident. For him, it’s not just about the intense sessions on the pitch. “The training is obviously important, but it’s really the time away from the field that helps us come together as a team. The conversations in the evenings, spending time together – that’s where true team spirit is built.”

Ridle already has the big goal in mind. “When the season starts, we want to be ready to hit the ground running – and that’s exactly what we’re working towards now.”

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