The Bundesliga, Germany’s highest football division, has been dishing up a healthy hors d’oeuvre since mid-May.

Last weekend saw Spain and Italy come to the table and effectively serve us the salad and soup.

Now we eagerly await the main course with the reintroduction of the Premier League, the most expensive and popular football competition in the world!

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta’s positive test for Covid-19 on March 12 precipitated a shutdown of football leagues in England the following day … but that will end this week.

We will never know how consequential that was to public health, although many in Liverpool, knocked out of the Champions League at home to Atletico Madrid on March 8, argue that the lockdown should have occurred much sooner.

For several weeks there were discussions about the cancellation of all leagues, a move made more likely by La Ligue in France taking that very decision. However the successful reintroduction of football in Germany has left other leagues more confident, thereby allowing Liverpool to continue their procession to a likely richly-deserved title.

Looking across to Germany, what can we therefore expect from English football’s return?

Most importantly they have proven that a “test and trace” system works in the continued monitoring of the corona virus.  Werder Bremen’s Claudio Pizarro was isolated following the positive test of a family member while Dynamo Dresden’s entire squad was quarantined due to multiple infections.

The team sheets have taken on a slightly odd appearance with more substitutes listed than players (Spain) although rather than being lined up in the cosy dugout they are socially distanced in the front rows of empty stands.  Managers have had to adapt to the use of up to five substitutes. 

With so many matches being played in such a short period of time it is essential to spread the load against the squad to minimise the risk of injury.

The reality is that teams have not had a full break nor an extensive pre-season. Following the NFL lockout in 2011, the result of a pay dispute, 10 players ruptured their Achilles tendon at training camps while the number of injuries recorded in the first month was double that of the average typically observed over a whole season.

On the pitch, most players have adapted to the new requirements with celebratory elbow or foot taps after scoring.

In the first week Hertha Berlin’s players were the exception, hugging and high-fiving each other, although such actions have subsequently been eradicated.

Teams are effectively returning from the equivalent of an enforced summer break so expect some disjointed performances. 

While sides take time to get back into their stride there can be some surprising results and defences may take social distancing to a new level.  Schalke were a prime example of this allowing Dortmund to hit four on the reopening of the “new normal” season.

One positive has been the return of matches to terrestrial TV in many countries. I am a firm believer that for the longevity of popularity of a sport – any sport – it needs to be available, in part, to the masses. Of course with the absence of fans in the crowds and with fewer external distractions, viewing figures for even the satellite matches have increased exponentially, meaning that refunds to broadcasters are extremely generous.

I also believe that camera crews will become more creative and the viewing experience will be transformed with different angles and insight being explored while various formats of fan engagement are considered. 

Teams are getting in on the act with cardboard cutouts of fans that make less noise than the corporate elite munching a prawn sandwich.

Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall appeared more knowledgeable and less partisan than normal. 

And, the technology title goes to Aarhus-based AGF in Denmark who invited 10,000 fans to a zoom party with their shouts and screams piped through the loud speakers at the match!

The lack of fans in the stadia – and therefore atmosphere – has led to some broadcasters using artificial crowd noise to reflect the thrills and spills of the game, a divisive “marmite” scenario (love it or hate it). 

My personal preference is to avoid it as I enjoy listening to the barked instructions from the manager and the authoritative defence organising those in front.

Of course some believe that the lack of fans has led to the loss of home advantage, possible “proof” that a vociferous home crowd can literally be a “twelfth player”. 

While admittedly a small sample size, since the restart in Germany the number of home wins has dropped by half while draws and away wins have seen a significant increase. 

Are home teams less inspired without the roar of a home crowd to lift them?  Home sides have also witnessed an increase in the number of fouls given against them and yellow cards shown. Does this mean that referees are, in fact, influenced by passionate crowds baying for opposition blood?

Throughout the lockdown many players, despite using their social media platforms to encourage their followers to adhere to social distancing rules, were censured for their failure to comply. However while players tend to hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, it has not all been hosting wild parties and having dodgy haircuts.

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford raised millions of pounds for a UK food bank charity while Jordan Henderson demonstrated why he will be a worthy recipient of the Premier League trophy. The Liverpool captain was the driving force behind the Players Together initiative that raised millions for the NHS and other frontline workers putting their lives at risk.

There is still some opposition to the restart of professional sporting leagues, particularly while social and amateur games are banned. 

Banners have been displayed outside Bundesliga clubs alleging decisions have been tainted by financial greed. 

I believe it has been demonstrated through prudent management of the risks that it was a good decision and that there are myriad benefits, including the survival of clubs throughout the divisions, along with the broader mental health of the population. 

Sport-starved fans from around the globe rejoice!