This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
As Germany prepares to restart its football season, Freiburg midfielder Jonathan Schmid is training hard in anticipation of the return to action.
On April 7, most German clubs resumed training, with stringent social distancing measures in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection.
"At first it was weird," Schmid said. "You arrive at the training area already changed and go straight home for a shower. We don't have a lot of time to communicate either."
Despite the challenges, Schmid is optimistic about the restart plans, which include playing behind closed doors in empty stadiums.
"I've never played behind closed doors," Schmid said. "There'll be something missing. With the stadium and the fans behind us, it's tough for away teams to win at Freiburg. It's always a plus."
However, Schmid acknowledges that a second wave of coronavirus infections could put paid to the plans to complete the season.
"If there is a second wave and it affects some clubs, I think the season will be over," Schmid said.
As a player, Schmid is also concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the economic survival of the clubs.
"The clubs don't want to risk everything. But it's also important to get back on track for the economic survival of the clubs," Schmid said.
Freiburg players, including Schmid, have taken a pay cut to help groundstaff and office workers who have been affected by the pandemic.
"The club asked us to lower our salaries to help groundstaff and office workers. We agreed. It was a good thing to do it compared to everything they do for us," Schmid said.
