Neven Subotic: Bundesliga restart puts players in ‘precarious situation’

Former Borussia Dortmund player Neven Subotic is concerned about the timing of the Bundesliga restart and the health risks it poses to the players.

The Bundesliga was given the green light to restart from chancellor Angela Merkel and the German political leaders earlier this week. Yesterday, the DFL made the decision to get the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga back underway on May 16. But former Borussia Dortmund player Never Subotic is critical about the way things have been managed, and believes that it could put players in a ‘precarious situation’.

Subotic, who now plays for Union Berlin, believes that the risk of the virus spreading among the players is something that is on his mind. Speaking to BBC World Service, Subotic said: “I think that (possibility of virus spreading) is definitely the big issue that everyone carries with them. I think many are trying to put it to the side in order to get the job done. But it’s certainly something that’s very present in my thinking.”

"“Firstly considering my health but also considering the health of my team-mates and the opponents, whom I also consider colleagues. That’s a precarious situation for all of us. It’s going to be impossible to come out of the league with positive remarks.”“It’s just going to be a lot of risk management and trying to get to a finished season with the fewest casualties. I am critical of how everything’s been managed but we understand that it’s a difficult situation for everybody. We all just want to press fast forward and be in a situation where we don’t have to worry about it, but I think that’s unrealistic in the coming months.”"

Subotic also spoke about the prospect of playing nine matches in six weeks, and the toll it could take on the physical and mental well-being of the players across Germany’s first two divisions.

"“Today was the first training with the whole team. It usually feels like second nature to us but today, we were kinda shy with each other. We were all eager to do it but we have to consider the fact that we as players now carry a huge risk in terms of the workload that’s been put on us.”“Most clubs in the Bundesliga aren’t fitted with the squad to handle English Weeks but that’s what we’re all facing. I’m concerned for the younger players who aren’t so familiar with their body, who always want to give 100% even when they maybe need a day’s rest.”"

All games are set to be played behind closed doors, and Subotic believes that football will not be the same without having tens of thousands of fans cheering in the stadium.

"“We’re not going to have games with fans. For me as a player, that’s what makes it special, having that collective moment of celebration or even if you’re losing, you do that collectively.”“For the clubs it’s financial, and nothing else. For us knowing that, it’s about getting the job done and trying to make the most out of it knowing well that there isn’t a lot that you can get out of it in terms of satisfaction. Therefore, what I will definitely enjoy is the first game back with fans in the stadium. I’m looking forward to that. It’s my goal and I don’t know when that will happen but that’s the motivation I have.”"

There have already been 12 positive cases of coronavirus in the first two divisions of German football, ten in the first wave of testing last week, and two in the second wave of testing this week. Players finally started full team training this week, and are set to go into quarantine in the respective team hotels starting this weekend.

The Bundesliga is set to return next weekend, as Borussia Dortmund will face local rivals Schalke on May 16, while Neven Subotic and his Union Berlin side will go up against league leaders Bayern Munich a day later.