In VfB’s first match of the 2019/20 season against Hannover 96, defender Marcin Kaminski suffered a torn cruciate knee ligament. It took seven months of rehabilitation and fitness work before the 28-year-old was able to return to the VfB squad at home to Arminia Bielefeld back in March. Here, the Poland international talks to us about the enforced break from Bundesliga 2 action due to the coronavirus pandemic, and how the players are dealing with having to train in small groups.
Hi Marcin, how does it feel to be back on the training pitch after a three-week break?
Marcin Kaminski: “It’s nice to be able to see the boys at the training ground again, and not just via video conference during the sessions. Despite the distance we need to keep from one another, we’re also able to laugh together. It’s a good feeling to be back on the training pitch.”
In the last home match against Arminia Bielefeld on 9 March, you were named in the squad for the first time since suffering a torn cruciate ligament. You’re now on another break due to the coronavirus pandemic. How are you dealing with the current situation?
Kaminski: “There are two sides to it. On the one hand, it was nice to train with the team again and to be back in the squad. On the other, this break gives me more time to keep working on my comeback. We can’t change it. We need to accept the situation as it is and wait and see.”
You’re not only having to keep your distance off the pitch, but on the pitch too. That makes it impossible to work on systems and commit challenges. How much are you looking forward to playing football properly again?
Kaminski: “For us, it’s important to be able to train on the pitch again – even if it’s only possible in small groups at the moment. That was an important step for us. With everything else we’ll have to wait and see.”