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Two leading young British exports clash today when Dortmund host Schalke, writes
There has been radio silence between Rabbi Matondo and his former Manchester City teammate Jadon Sancho this week. This is the new Bundesliga world of Covid-19 testing, socially-distanced squad meetings and empty stadiums, yet one constant is the bitter rivalry between Schalke and Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho, the pioneer for young British talent looking to break through in Germany, was one of the first to text Matondo when he arrived in Gelsenkirchen last season and they speak regularly – until the approaches.
Today, the world of sport will be watching the Bundesliga become the first major championship to return during the coronavirus pandemic. Safety has been the most important issue but the animosity between the Ruhr rivals, in the weekend’s biggest game, has not been diluted.
“Before the derby you’re more focused and it is every man for himself,” Matondo says. “We spoke a couple of weeks ago and everything was OK, but not since. He’s a good lad and has always been good with me but we’ll catch up after the game at a distance away from each other.”
All eyes are on Germany. For the Premier League, watching a major league resume paves the way for Project Restart next month. For fans, there is live action, a Bundesliga team to adopt until their own side’s return, or a glimpse of some of the best young talents in Europe.
Timo Werner, Dayot Upamecano and Kai Havertz are expected to join the biggest clubs in the world eventually.
Sancho, 20, has gone from City’s academy to the England team within a couple of years and Matondo, the Wales forward, has progressed after arriving in Germany.
“We have to take this opportunity,” Matondo says. “You’re representing your club throughout the whole world. It’s a real positive thing and not something to be nervous about. You have to be grateful. You’re the first country to play football. Hopefully we can keep everyone entertained in these tough times, not just our game but the games across Germany. I hope everything goes to plan.”
Matondo, 19, has been isolating with his Schalke team-mates at the Marriott hotel, a couple of minutes’ walk from Veltins-arena where David Wagner’s team train.
Wagner uses the same method as Jurgen Klopp, in training at the same time of the next game, so sessions have started around 3pm. Then, after treatments, the squad eat together while observing social distancing, before retiring to rooms where they are in solitary confinement.
“Meals are in a big room and we’re all spaced out,” Matondo says. “Our food is waiting for us when we arrive, we don’t stand and get it ourselves. It’s like being in an exam at school, you can’t really talk to each other. You can have some banter but only if you’re shouting across the room.
“People stay a bit longer to catch up and talk so by the time you get to your room it’s quite late. After watching a film or playing Playstation you sleep and then do it again. We’re not allowed in each other’s room. We only see each other at meals, training and team meetings. The meetings are spaced out, too.”
Matondo has been watching
The Last Dance, the Michael Jordan documentary on Netflix, but has discovered life in a hotel brings its problems. “I’ve been trying to watch more but the Wi-fi has been a bit funny.” The Marriott is usually packed with fans on match-days but only hosts Schalke staff at the moment.
Testing for a player involves a swab in the throat and nose, an invasive process which Matondo accepts must be done to secure safety.
“It has to be done to move forward. With the amount of contact there is, it has to be done. It’s not the best feeling in the world, I’m not going to lie. If we’re tested then it will be OK in the stadium. We get our results on the day of the game and if you have it [Covid-19], you won’t be able to play.”
Matondo would usually have family coming to watch the game at Westfalenstadion today and believes the lack of atmosphere at an empty arena will be a factor, given what he experienced last season when Schalke won on enemy territory.
“I still remember the day we beat them and it was crazy. Just walking out to look at the pitch before the game and you could just hear the fans. It is so loud. It’s something I’ll never forget and was looking forward to again.
“It’s going to be strange in front of no fans, especially here in Germany where it is known for the atmosphere. Everyone knows when you play here it helps the home team. At Schalke, we have a top bunch of fans. But if we want to make them happy we have to give them something on the pitch without them there. Eventually we will get used to it. It’s a big loss and everyone is saying it will be rubbish with no fans but we’ve got to be grateful for just getting football back on.
“I’m sure the fans will be annoyed and happy at the same time because football is back on TV.”
Matondo also believes matches will slow down in the latter stages, despite teams now being allowed to use five substitutes.
“We’ve not played in such a long time that it could be a factor. In training, the tempo has been good. It’s going to be different in a game when you haven’t played so much. The first half might be a good tempo and then legs get tired in the second half. I think you’ll really see the tiredness starting to kick in. That will be the hardest part.”
Even with a slower tempo, the rivalry between Schalke and Dortmund will still be there.
And football will be back.