Milan to jump-start Reds?
Overall 96 manager Dieter Hecking can be happy with preparations. The positives far outweigh the negatives, which mainly consist of the continuing injury problems. Hecking is also impressed with the Reds' football in their two friendlies: "Alongside the good training, the excellent results have been also been a boost", with a 3-0 win in Osnabrück followed by the 2-1win over FC Augsburg in Portugal setting up his side well for the restart of the season. And even though friendlies technically don't count for anything, in the context of the Reds' poor form this season Dieter Hecking knows: "Even small successes are like gold-dust. Now the lads just need to keep their self-belief against Milan."

But obviously what really counts are points in the first competitive game, and an opening win against Schalke could lay the foundations for a good run. Hecking has confirmed "The basis is in place. Whether we can build on that depends on results." And if his team can fulfill their potential there is no doubt that relegation won't be an issue. "Our fate is in our own hands, regardless of whether it is critical or not. Even if we can't reach our original aims we can secure safety."

New start for Eggimann ... and Enke
Dieter Hecking will be looking for compactness from his side, particularly the defence, where central pairing Frank Fahrenhorst and Mario Eggimann will face competition from the newly recovered Vinicius. And the 96 coach knows the Swiss defender is desperate to get back out onto the pitch: "Mario is working very hard, you can see he has really got his head down. It will help our stability at the back." Eggimann himself is chomping at the bit to show why he was such a key player for Karlsruhe last season. "I'm pleased to be able to draw a line under 2008", confirmed the 27 year old, "The manager wanted a sign from me of my intentions, and I think I've given him that."

Another enormous factor for the Reds will be the return of captain Robert Enke in goal – although his replacements Florian Fromlowitz and Morten Jensen had impressed recently. The value and personality of the  31 year old, who is now almost back to his best, were shown to be irreplaceable to the team during the shaky run so far this season. A return to the national side could well be on the cards soon as well: "If Robert can get back to his old self then he definitely belongs there", said Hecking.

Worry over Cherundolo
However the personnel situation remains the one black spot in the Reds' positive start to the New Year. The "year of the epidemic" which saw lots of important players ruled out for long periods seems to be easing at the start of 2009. However Chavdar Yankov (knee) and Jan Schlaudraff (groin) are still sidelined, and are now joined by Steve Cherundolo. The right-back had to miss the Augsburg friendly with his continuing hip problems, and went for a scan on Monday, with the results due soon. Gaetan Krebs is the one other concern for the 96 boss, with the Frenchman still struggling to put weight on his troublesome ankle.

Hecking was boosted by the return of Vinicus during the training camp, which gives him further option at the back, especially with Valérien Ismaël's return still not in sight.

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