Football: German restart in global focus

“The locomotive of European football is moving again,” wrote the Italian “Corriere della Sera” and sees the historic matchday of the German elite league at the weekend as the initial spark for football. “The signal is coming from Germany that all European football had been waiting for,” was the headline of the French sports newspaper “L’Equipe” after the German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the game would continue.

The worldwide focus on the German league was sharpened by various incidents in advance. The cabin video by Herthas Salomon Kalou and a flippant shopping tale by Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich, who left the team hotel to buy skin cream and toothpaste, caused a stir even before the resumption. These actions also provided a foretaste of the height of the fall that those involved are facing: disregarding the hygiene rules does not only have direct consequences, it also brings an entire industry into disrepute and “absolute emergency operation”, says DFL boss Christian Seifert, in acute danger.

The German team player Toni Kroos, who earns his money at Real Madrid, confirmed the great interest the Spanish league has in Germany for the weekend. “You get the impression here: If the Germans can’t do it, then no one will be able to keep going,” said the offensive player. It is impressive that “the Germans were the best at coping with the virus numbers, the infections and the deceased,” said Kroos: “And if they are unable to finish the Bundesliga, who is it? So it’s safe to see how it goes. ”

“Can have a signal effect”

German clubs are also aware of the role model effect. “The whole world looks at Germany, how we do it,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick: “This can have a signal effect on all leagues. Then, in general, the sport can perhaps be taken up again. ”That is why it is important to consistently implement the strict requirements:“ We have a great role model function. ”He is“ not afraid ”of his players because of a possible infection with the corona virus in contact sports football. If one of his players had doubts about a bet, he could have decided against a bet – “without consequences”.

Flick pointed out that players, coaches and coaches would submit to many duties to handle the past nine match days. Before the game on Sunday with promoted 1. FC Union Berlin, the hotel was in quarantine. And even after that, life doesn’t go on normally. “We cannot do things that other people are allowed to do,” said Flick, referring to visits to restaurants or beer gardens. “In the private sector, we are already very limited,” said the Bayern coach.

“Ghost games” necessary evil

Despite all the restrictions, anticipation and nervousness among players, coaches and officials are great. “I’ve almost never been so tense. We do not know where we stand in sports. Of course, I wonder whether everything that we have prepared in terms of organization will work, ”said Hans-Joachim Watzke, the managing director of Borussia Dortmund, who will receive Schalke 04 in the prestigious Revierderby on Saturday.

The traditional game is being played for the first time as a “ghost game” due to the corona virus crisis. “Playing without spectators really hurts us a lot,” says well-known Watzke, who, according to his own statement, would only experience “real joy” if “we were playing in a full stadium.” However, contacts to the fan scene would have given him the impression “That many fans understand why we keep playing,” he commented, referring to the criticism of many observers about the return of the footballers to the title fight.

Worldwide role model?

The former world footballer Rivaldo, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, was at any rate convinced that “everything would go well” when the game started again in Germany. “The Bundesliga will set a good example so that other countries can follow this script,” said the 48-year-old, who ended his active career six years ago.

Former English Bayern legionnaire Owen Hargreaves went one step further: “Forget football, the whole world will be watching this weekend to see if it works, because the NFL, the NBA, they’ll all want to see if that works. It’s not just about sport. If that goes well now, people will try to do it all over the world, ”said the BT Sport expert.

The British daily “The Independent” also draws conclusions for the Premier League, which is not expected to start until June 19: “It is important for everyone that this first week goes well. If Germany can’t do it, despite the lower curve and so much has gone so smoothly, it’s hard to imagine someone else getting there anytime soon. ”

International TV event

There is huge interest in television stations all over the world. The German Football League (DFL) did not want to comment on international TV interest, but according to dpa information, the Bundesliga can be seen in more than 200 FIFA member countries this weekend. In the past few years, the elite league has shown similar interest only at the hit FC Bayern against Borussia Dortmund.

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