English Bundesliga

No rock opera yet but at least the Bundesliga strikes a new quiet note of hope

It may not be the appropriate time to rock ‘n roll yet but the intro strains of a quiet ballad of hope is beginning to fill the air over in the Bundesliga. The great news that’s injecting hope and fresh optimism into the long-awaiting hearts of many is that Bundesliga clubs are allowed to return to team training today albeit on a quiet note, with some opting to train players in small groups amid stingent precautionary measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The gloom, hopefully not doom of any sort, had been prevailing in the country, in fact the world over, since professional football was suspended for close to a month and DFL has maintained that the enforced temporary suspension will stay in place for the top divisions at least until 30 April.

A bright note has now been struck with the official news that Bundesliga clubs have just been given the clearance to resume training this week. League leaders Bayern Munich are among the first to capitalise on this and have begun to train their players in small groups so as to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection.

“Obviously all health guidelines are being adhered to,” the club said in a statement.

“Obviously the training is closed to the public. FC Bayern are asking fans to continue following guidelines and please do not come to the team’s training centre.”

The German nation has seen the number of people infected with the Covid-19 virus rapidly escalate above 100,000 this weekend with nearly 1,600 mortalities after having tested positive for the deadly virus that has brought the country into a lockdown.

Despite the resumption of training, another sombre note was struck when the DFL made it clear last week it was doubtful if or when the season would resume. Clearly, the cessation of play has also negatively impacted the finances of clubs drastically to such an extent that two weeks ago leading clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen came together to create a €20million solidarity fund to help clubs in the top two tiers.

Borussia Dortmund have also graciously in a warm humanitarian gesture provided part of their Signal Iduna Park stadium for the treatment of suspected virus cases.

Well, at least now there’s some light in the tunnel for clubs, players and the football fans with the resumption of training. Let’s all just pray for more good news to follow soon!