A derby with a grassroots feel

"This match is all about the fans, their emotions, the enthusiasm in the stadium. We definitely won't experience any of that. The players will really miss the additional motivation that comes from the supporters and the atmosphere," explained Sebastian Kehl, the head of the licensed player division, in an interview with Die Welt newspaper. He continued: "I believe that one thing will be decisive when it comes to the Bundesliga home straight: it will not be a case of which team has the most quality in their squad, but rather about whoever does the best job of preparing for the match and the unusual situation and developing the best team dynamic. The right attitude and the right way of dealing with the current situation will be crucial. Furthermore, we are very conscious of the fact that we can achieve something in this derby that would mean a lot to our fans – despite the difficult times everyone is experiencing at present."

Julian Brandt has spent some time reflecting on what the new normal will be like: "It actually feels a little bit like a return to the basics, the way football was when we started out as young children. It's a little bit like going back to the roots," said the Germany international in an interview with the pay-TV broadcaster Sky, who will be showing Saturday's derby live  and free of charge on its channel Sky Sport News HD as part of a simulcast covering all the matches. This will allow all football fans access to the games. Each of the nine remaining rounds of matches will be played behind closed doors.

"Lots of things will be back to square one on Saturday. There'll be no home or away games like they were before, no advantage or disadvantage," said Brandt in the interview. "In the end, it'll come down to who is able to deal with the situation in the best way." (br)