Freiburg’s Schmid prepares for restart in ‘weird’ times

Freiburg midfielder Jonathan Schmid is not at all afraid to return to the pitch but acknowledges that a second wave of coronavirus infections would put paid to German football’s plans to complete its interrupted season.

“Germany wants to finish their championship,” the 29year-old Frenchman said.

“We’re training for that. We’ll be ready when it resumes.”

The German Football League (DFL) wants to restart matches in empty stadiums from May 16, providing it gets the final green light from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government.

A decision is expected tomorrow.

Those plans were thrown into question on Monday when the league said its testing of players, coaches and back room staff had produced 10 positive cases. Three are known to be from top-flight side Cologne.

Germany has been less affected by the pandemic than other European countries, an outcome partly attributed to mass testing.

Schmid said any signs that football’s return had produced a new surge in infections would halt the restart plans.

“If there is a second wave and it affects some clubs, I think the season will be over,” Schmid said.

“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.”

Despite having two children, Schmid said he was not worried about the possibility of infection.

“No, not at all afraid. If we’re allowed to do it, then it’s safe,” Schmid said. —