Singh bulks up during lockdown

Sarpreet Singh was feeling sorry for himself when Bayern Munich halted training during Germany’s Covid-19 lockdown.

The 21-year-old Aucklander, who made his Bundesliga debut in December, has been living his dream playing for one of the biggest clubs in world football.

So he was a little lost for things to do when the season was suspended and players were ordered to stop training last month.

‘‘As you know the situation has been quite challenging for everyone,’’ Singh said. ‘‘I think individually the first couple of days of isolation I was a little bit feeling sorry for myself as to what’s going on and not playing.

‘‘There’s only been three of us on campus and there’s not that many people that come into the campus during the lockdown, because everyone is working from home. The first couple of days maybe [I was homesick] but it was more just feeling sorry for myself, and wondering what am I going to do now there’s no football.

‘‘But I think it’s all about mindset and now I’m in a very good space.’’

Although he could not train with his high-profile Bayern team-mates, Singh soon realised there were other ways he could improve himself. Acknowledging he is ‘‘quite light’’ compared to other footballers, Singh has spent the past four weeks trying to bulk up his 71kg frame.

He was also surprised to learn how many different exercises he could do with a mat and foam roller, with Bayern players following an online training programme in order to maintain their fitness during the time away from football.

Although German football has been suspended until at least April 30, Singh returned last week, with Bayern running sessions for small groups.