Bundesliga clubs return to training amid tight COVID-19 restrictions
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Bundesliga clubs returned to training on Monday after almost a month on the sidelines.
Matches in Germany's top two divisions will remain suspended until at least April 30, but the German Football League (DFL) and state authorities have allowed some squads to train in small groups and at a safe distance to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach, Wolfsburg, and other clubs conducted Monday's sessions in groups of five without any contact, according to Reuters.
"It was certainly a very unusual feeling holding a training session in small groups today, but it was also nice to see the boys in person again," Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer said.
Robert Lewandowski participated in Bayern's drills after injuring his knee against Chelsea in late February.
After almost three weeks without training, the players went through their usual warm-up before getting back on the ball ⚽ #effzeh pic.twitter.com/PD8NB0VL8d
— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) April 6, 2020
Werder Bremen are still awaiting permission from the local government to begin their preparations for an eventual restart of the Bundesliga campaign. The relegation candidates are concerned that clubs already back in practice will enjoy a competitive advantage.
"We will continue to follow the directives set out by the authorities, but still find ourselves in limbo as several of our competitors in other parts of the country have already returned to training in groups," head coach Florian Kohfeldt said.
He added: "We hope that we won't find ourselves at a disadvantage, and would welcome a nationwide solution whereby football acknowledges the responsibilities it owes society and ensures that it follows the guidelines and precautions that have been set out."
Gas geben! 😤#f95 | 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/pPwgIK1tS7
— Fortuna Düsseldorf (@f95) April 6, 2020
Eintracht Frankfurt trained in pairs when they were reunited on Friday.
"Obviously we had the exercise bikes at home, so we were able to keep in shape. But it doesn't compare to working with the team and having fun with your colleagues," striker Bas Dost shared. "It did us a lot of good."
There are currently over 100,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany, with 1,584 related deaths.