This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, Bundesliga coaches in Germany are seeking a relaxation of strict hygiene regulations, citing the country's improved coronavirus situation.
Coaches and substitutes have been following social-distancing guidelines and wearing masks while on the bench, while players are not allowed to hug each other during goal celebrations.
Germany has been easing its lockdown restrictions since the Bundesliga restarted in mid-May, with no positive COVID-19 cases reported in the league since its resumption.
Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller expressed his frustration with the current regulations, saying, 'It's become difficult to understand why people can again have their cappuccino in a cafe without wearing a mask, while the substitutes and us directors in the stands are forced to keep our distance while outdoors and wearing a mask.'
Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz praised the German league's efforts, saying, 'It's great that we can play again. The DFL has done things very well.'
However, Bosz also expressed his desire to celebrate goals together again, stating, 'The best thing would be to have the right to celebrate a goal all together again.'
Paderborn coach Steffen Baumgart also called for a relaxation of the rules, particularly for the media, saying, 'We have cameramen who are alone and separated by a radius of 30 metres while wearing a mask. We have reporters, half of whose questions we don’t understand because they’re wearing a mask while we keep a distance of three metres.'
