All eyes on the Bundesliga as the Premier League edges towards a restart

The league restarts this weekend after a 61-day break because of the coronavirus pandemic, and is the first major league in Europe to resume.

Ligue 1 in France opted to end their campaign, while the Premier League is still trying to get the green light.

Leaders Bayern travel to Union Berlin on Sunday, and Flick is well aware how the Bundesliga can set an example.

“The whole world is watching Germany to see how we do it,” said Flick. “It can act as an example for all leagues. Then sport in general might be able to get going again. At the moment, it’s important to implement things exactly as required. We have a big role model function. We can be happy to be able to play again. Lots of things have been done right in Germany.”

Games will be played behind closed doors to protect fans from infection, and Flick knows teams must adapt.

“Of course, it is different,” said Flick. “Fans and emotion are the be-all and end-all of football. Everybody prefers to play in front of spectators. The preconditions are the same for everyone.

“It all depends on who can deal with it best. There are nine games to go, a power-play season, a short tournament. It’s all back to square one.”

Newcastle’s players are due to return to training next week ahead of a proposed June restart for the Premier League.