Bundesliga's return was a rousing success
FC Yahoo’s Ryan Bailey explains why despite the concern about the safety protocols, the standard of play and the jarring nature of sport without fans — German soccer’s restart was executed flawlessly.
Video Transcript
RYAN BAILEY: The Bundesliga is back, and its return was a rousing success. Ryan Bailey for Yahoo Sports. After a two month hiatus, the Bundesliga made its welcome return this past weekend, making it the first major soccer league to come back. There were concerns that plans would be derailed by an outbreak at a Bundesliga club, and eyebrows were raised when Augsburg Manager Heiko Herrlich missed his team's match after breaking isolation protocols to go and buy toothpaste.
There were also concerns that fitness levels and the standard of play would be low, and the stadium atmosphere, or lack thereof, would be a bit too weird. But for the most part, those things didn't come to pass, and it was a highly successful round of games. Firstly, those expecting pre-season levels of fitness and a lack of action were pleasantly surprised that the pace was much higher than expected.
Perhaps the league that already has a winter break knows how to keep fit without games. There was some sloppiness, but also, a great deal of attacking play and excellent goals. Notably, the brilliant solo effort [? Pierre ?] scored for [? months, ?] which was admittedly helped by some slightly socially distance defending from Cologne. There also appeared to be fewer fouls and breaks in play and a lot less diving.
Each club was given a 51 page book of safety protocols and most seemed to stay as safe as possible. Well, Hertha Berlin got a little too close with their celebrations, but Borussia Dortmund showed how to execute the perfect socially distance post goal reaction. That was unusual, and it was strange to watch games in completely empty stadiums. It sounded a bit like echoey indoor swimming pools, but it wasn't too jarring to distract from the action once you got used to it.
Of course, not all fans were happy. There were protests in Cologne, for example, from those who feel the action shouldn't continue in an empty stadium. Those who say games are only being played for the sake of money, but the Bundesliga resumption appears to be a rousing success. And crucially, it lays a blueprint for the proposed return to action for leagues, like the Premier League and La Liga. For more on the beautiful game, follow FC Yahoo on your favorite social channels, and stay up to date on Yahoo Sports. Love to your mothers. See you next time.
