BAYERN MUNICH’S stars returned to training on Monday morning – but managed to keep two metres away from each other.
With the Bundesliga still on lockdown due to coronavirus, the Bavarians have not played a match for four weeks.
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Bayern Munich’s players kept their distance as they returned to training on MondayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Robert Lewandowski arrived at the facility in shades and driving a convertibleCredit: AP:Associated Press
The German Football League recommended clubs should not train until April 5 when they suspended the league in March.
So after a few weeks of training from home, the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry were back at their Saebener Strasse training facility in the south of Munich.
But they did follow the advice by sticking to small groups and distancing themselves from one another.
Bayern insisted “all hygiene regulations will be strictly observed” by the players and coaches with the sessions staged behind closed doors.
In a statement released on Sunday night, the club said: “The FC Bayern Munich first team will return to training in small groups from Monday, 6 April.
“This will be done in coordination with government policy and the relevant authorities.
“It goes without saying that all hygiene regulations will be strictly observed.
“Training will take place with no members of the public present.
“In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, FC Bayern asks fans to continue to follow the instructions of the authorities and therefore please do not come to the FC Bayern training ground.”
Bayern appointed Hans-Dieter Flick as the replacement to Niko Kovac last week – the German had been in interim charge since the beginning of November.
And after taking his first session as permanent boss, he will be hoping he can clinch his first piece of silverware when the season resumes.
Munich are four points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the table and also have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals, winning the first leg away at Chelsea 3-0.
Former Arsenal man Gnabry, who was pictured wearing the Gunners’ yellow away shirt for a video call with his Bayern team-mates last week, scored twice at Stamford Bridge to add to the four he smashed in against Tottenham in October.
The Premier League confirmed last week that it would not restart at the beginning of May and would only do so “when it is safe and appropriate to do so”.
And while the Bundesliga looks set to do the same with many players set to take a 20 per cent pay cut, Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed the season will be completed.
In Belgium, football chiefs suspended the campaign and declared Club Brugge champions.
But Munich president Rummenigge insisted all 36 clubs in the German top two tiers agreed they will play this season to its end.
He told Spanish outlet AS: “The 36 clubs have made this decision, even if it should be after June 30. Uefa criticised the Belgian championship, in my view justifiably, for declaring the season suspended.
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“In Germany we all agree: the 36 clubs have decided to end the season, even if it should be after 30 June for political or health reasons.
“The Football Association is handling the problem quite well. Everything happens in a harmonious, supportive and loyal way.
“In these times it is important that the strongest support the weakest. We are all aware of this.”
Serge Gnabry was another of the players to be snapped on his way inCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
Manuel Neuer faces shots for the first time since mid-March when the Bundesliga was suspendedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
No fans were allowed to watch on as the stars kept 2m away from each other throughoutCredit: Reuters
Hans-Dieter Flick oversaw his first training session since being appointed Bayern boss on a permanent basisCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bayern Munich’s David Alaba show the best way to stay active with his fitness regime
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
