German team trains after Enke tragedy

Mon Nov 16 2009 15:48:44

The German football team has trained for the first time following Sunday's funeral for Robert Enke.

Saturday's friendly against Chile in Cologne was called off as a mark of respect for the 32-year-old goalkeeper and coach Joachim Loew has praised the squad for the way they handled the news of Enke's death.

"I have got to thank the team for their behaviour in these difficult hours," he said on the website of the German Football Association.

"There was no sense in playing the game in Cologne. It was important to stop and have peace and quiet to mourn."

The national team will pay its final respects to Enke with a minute's silence before Wednesday's game against the Ivory Coast, while pictures of Enke's life and career will be shown on the big screens at the Arena AufSchalke.

"One of Robert's shirts will be on the bench," added Loew. "Robert Enke was not only an extraordinarily good goalkeeper, but also an extraordinary person."

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