Bayern Munich return to training but Bremen made to wait

Munich (dpa) – Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich resumed team training during the coronavirus crisis on Monday after a break of some three weeks where players worked only individually.

Several other clubs have also started training – of sorts – despite the league being suspended until at least April 30 as part of the fight against the virus.

However, relegation-threatened Werder Bremen have been left frustrated by their local authority’s failure to approve their application to an exception to regulations on gatherings.

The Bayern squad returned to the Saebener Strasse complex to work in small groups, spread across several pitches, doing fitness and shooting exercises.

Regular training is still prohibited as authorities limit contact between players in accordanace with general restrictions in the country.

“It was a very unusual feeling to have training today in small groups,” said goalkeeper captain Manuel Neuer. “But it was also nice to see the boys in real life again.

“I also want to thank the club and all helpers that we had the chance, in these difficult times, to again do football-specific training on the pitch.”

Coach Hansi Flick also spoke individually to players while maintaining distance from them. After training it was intended that the players would travel directly home to change.

Striker Robert Lewandowski took part after suffering a knee injury in February while defender Niklas Suele, after a cruciate ligament tear, did limited ball work.

Bayern are four points clear at the top of the table with their next scheduled match away to Bremen on the weekend of May 1-3, though it is far from certain if that will go ahead.

Werder applied to the Bremen council to have training restrictions lifted from Monday but a decision has not yet been made as interior minister Ulrich Maeurer is in favour of a nationwide ruling.

“We will continue to completely implement the requirements of the authorities in all areas,” coach Florian Kohfeldt told the club homepage. But he pointed out Bremen’s rivals had been allowed to start again.

“We hope not to suffer a competitive disadvantage here and would rather welcome a unified national solution.”

Bremen are second last in the Bundesliga and four points adrift of Fortuna Dusseldorf in the play-off position though they do hold a game in hand.