Bundesliga clubs cleared to return to training, with target of closed door return in May

April 7 – Bundesliga clubs, including reigning champions Bayern Munich, have been allowed to return to training amid strict measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus including the minimum of contact between players.

Most of Germany’s top-tier clubs started training on Monday to prepare for a possible early May resumption of the 2019-2020 season.

The German Football League (DFL) is planning to play matches behind closed doors to finish the campaign by the end of June – earlier than most other major leagues whose countries have been more seriously hit by Covid-19.

Under the rules, only one player at the time is allowed to change and players must take showers at home.

Borussia Dortmund announced that they would run training without direct man-to-man duels while Leipzig sports director Markus Kroesche commented:  “The clubs have agreed to start limited training after talks with the relevant authorities. At the same time, the league is trying to achieve a general agreement all clubs can follow.”

Werder Bremen players have been told they can train in groups of no more than four.

Bremen’s sporting director, Frank Baumann, described the decision as “positive” and an “important step”.

“However, we will continue to train without physical contact and comply with the distance regulations for our training exercises,” Baumann said in a statement posted on the club’s website.

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