Borrello, 24, is in his second week back in training at the mid-table club he joined almost two years ago, with plans for a spectator-free Bundesliga resumption in early May at an advanced stage.
Currently only permitted to train in groups of four players at a time - with social distancing protocols still observed - Borrello is just happy to be back at the club’s base on the fringes of the Black Forest.
“Germany is one of those countries that has dealt with the pandemic very well, and we’re back training three days a week in small groups,” Borrello explained.
“The league was locked down about a month ago (March 13) and it’s just good to back with a ball at your feet on a pitch with a few teammates.
“It wasn’t easy waking up everyday and going for long runs and making sure you got your sprint metres up.
“We were training alone and were only allowed in to the training ground to be tested for coronavirus, so these last couple of weeks have been a big positive.
“Everything, though, is still pretty much closed: I only go out to get my groceries, fill my car up and then go to training.
“Other than that, I pretty much spend my whole time at home.”
Bundesliga clubs have been conducting “cyber training” video conferencing calls during the hiatus but with training bases once again showing signs of life, Bundesliga’s chief executive, Christian Seifert, has indicated the remaining nine games of the schedule could be completed by the end of June, a time when some of Europe’s other leading leagues may still be shuttered.
Playing behind closed doors promises an eery end to the season in what have been dubbed “ghost games”.
But Borrello recognises that health imperatives must come first.
“Of course you want crowds because when the stadiums are empty there’s no atmosphere and it is a bit hard to watch,” he added.
“There’s obviously a mental side to that with teams possibly winning titles (Bayern Munich are four points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top) in empty grounds.
“But I’m all for people’s health and safety and if it is to be without fans then so be it.
“The main thing is to get over this pandemic and put it behind us.”
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Brisbane Roar product Borrello is more than satisfied with how far he’s come since an ACL injury suffered at former club Kaiserslautern stymied his progress.
“I’ve achieved everything I’ve wanted to over the past year or so,” he said. “I’ve played in the Bundesliga, played for the Socceroos and things will only keep going up from here.
“I was doing well until this pandemic struck and it’s just a question of keeping my head down and staying focused.
“I’ve got to treat this like a bit of a pre-season and hope the trainer (Christian Streich) notices and says ‘ok, Brandon hasn’t lost any fitness and is there when we need him’.”
Borrello was a regular starter at the beginning of the season, but intense competition for places has limited him to eight appearances in all competitions, with his last just before the winter break.
“All over the Bundesliga it’s very competitive... you hardly ever see the same line-up anywhere more than twice in a row,” he added. “That in itself is fascinating.
“But that’s the way it is, that’s football. If you’re not up for it then you’re in the wrong sport.”
Borrello has two years left on his contract at a club famed as a talent factory and knows he’s in the right environment to continue developing.
“We’ve had a great season so far - just above mid-table - and I’m here to try and state my name by playing in one of the world’s best leagues,” he said.
“I don’t want to waste my time. I want to play as much as I can.”
Being a part of Graham Arnold’s FIFA World Cup plans is something he also cherishes.
“Arnie wants players who are hungry and playing regularly,” he said. “I was doing that at the start of the season but not so much after that, so I felt lucky to be picked for the last round of qualifiers.
“But I’ve got my name in the mix now - and there are a lot of amazing tournaments to look forward to.”
