Pep Guardiola lost his mother

Bayern Munich were among a number of Bundesliga clubs to return to training for the first time since the campaign was halted .

The champions trained in groups of five but without any contact, as did Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg.

Bottom side Paderborn worked in small groups and coach Steffen Baumgart said it was important for players to “get the ball on their feet again”.

Germany’s top flight has been suspended since 13 March until at least 30 April.

The news follow that from China where players have been told by Government they can start training again and sends a much needed breath of hope to not only football but the world at large.

In the cases of both countries we are seeing an easing of restrictions within or on the 12 weeks which has appeared to be the figure put on a return to some kind normality .

And the German news follows a report in the United K that the government and Premier League are looking at plans to get our game underway in June but behind closed doors assuming the rate of improvement doesn’t equal that in Europe.

Meanwhile there was sad news for Pep Guardiola who learned that his mother Dolors Sala Carrio, has died aged 82 in Barcelona after contracting the disease.

“Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends,” said Manchester City on social media.