Wanderers commenced pre-season training on Monday, with plenty of double sessions lined up, ahead of the October start for the 2018/19 campaign.

Western Sydney were without Josh Risdon who is on Socceroos duty, while Brendon Santalab is also in Russia as a supporter.

Santalab has joined Perth Glory after turning down an administrative role with the Red and Black.

Ex-Wanderers defender Matt Spiranovic is also believed to be training with Perth Glory, who are coached by former Western Sydney boss Tony Popovic nowadays.

Babbel, who spent time with Bayern Munich and Liverpool during his playing career and has previously coached Stuttgart, Hertha BSC, Hoffenheim and FC Luzern, said the focus early in pre-season was purely fitness.

German compatriot Marco Kurz put together a tough pre-season schedule after taking over at Adelaide United last term, with Babbel appearing to follow suit.

“Normally for the players it’s not the best time because they have to work really hard, twice a day sessions especially in the afternoon with our condition trainer,” Babbel said.

“It’s not easy but we need good fitness, that’s the most important thing.

“It’s the key of success. If you’re not fit you have no chance of success in this league.

“We have to be fit, we have work on tactical things but the most important thing now is fitness.”

The 51-time German international added that he was enthused about his squad but felt building up fitness would bring out their best.

“I told the boys before we started training, I’d seen a couple of games of them and they have talent,” Babbel said.

“The talent is there but now we have to work on our fitness and our mentality.

“If these both come together, we have a big chance to have success. If not, we have no chance.”