Bayern Munich made the decision over the weekend to have players return to Säbener Strasse to train in small groups while keeping a distance from one another (FCBayern.com, Bild). Other clubs in the Bundesliga are already doing this, and more are soon to follow suite as the DFL and DFB search for a plan to complete the season.
In today’s session, the players were separated in to groups of no more than 5 and progressed through a series of four stations set up by the coaches and training staff. They had to change in separate cabins after parking their cars far away from each other in the underground parking garage at Säbener Strasse.
It was Robert Lewandowski’s first full training session since he injured his knee at the end of February against Chelsea in the Champions League. Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was understood that Lewandowski would miss a crucial stretch of matches for Bayern, but he wound up missing only league wins over Hoffenheim and Augsburg and the DFB-Pokal quarter-finals win over Schalke. Regardless of when the season resumes, it will be a massive boost for Bayern to have Lewandowski fully fit and available.
Unfortunately for Corentin Tolisso, the French midfielder was forced to end the session early due to a left ankle problem. He received treatment and didn’t want to risk any further problems by continuing. Hopefully, Tolisso’s injury turns out to be nothing serious. He has not had the best campaign, and recent reports have suggested Bayern might be looking to offload him during the next transfer window.
Manuel Neuer was one of the first players to arrive at the training grounds today, and he admitted that it was a bizarre feeling to have sessions with smaller groups (FCBayern.com):
It was certainly a very unusual feeling holding a training session in small groups today, but it was also nice to see the boys in person again. I’d like to thank the club and all the helpers who have made it possible for us to complete football-specific training on the pitch again during these difficult times.