Baumgartner: "We are role models"

"Of course, the ideal scenario for me would be to continue playing as normal – every weekend and in front of spectators. But that's not possible for the time being. And it's not about what we want anyway; it is about what is most beneficial for the health of the population. As professional athletes, we have a responsibility; we are role models," said the 20-year-old Austrian in an interview for the upcoming edition of the TSG club magazine SPIELFELD, which will be out on Friday (3 April). Baumgartner would understand if, as envisaged by the German Football League, the Bundesliga resumes action with games behind closed doors. "That's not the football that we all want to see, but it's probably the only possibility we have to end the season. That's why – if the time comes – we need to be prepared and accept the new situation. After all, it's certainly much better than not playing any more."

The 20-year-old, who has played his way into head coach Alfred Schreuder's starting XI this season and notched four goals and three assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances, also detailed how the players are currently keeping fit. "We've been given individual training plans by the club. Exercises, runs, tips on what to do. The objective is obviously to ensure our bodies are in peak condition for a resumption and that we can perform straightaway," explained the Austrian. "If the season gets going again, we need to be mentally ready as well as physically fit, and to recognise the opportunities open to us in the closing stages of this season. There's no danger of relegation, so we're looking upwards and going for it," said Baumgartner, before outlining the team's ambitions of finishing the campaign in a European berth. "We're in a good position in the table and we're still involved in the fight for Europe too. Everyone was aware it wouldn't be the easiest season for us after all the changes. But I believe we're dealing with it relatively well and, if it continues, that we'll get the points we need to secure an international spot."

The April edition of SPIELFELD also contains an introduction to the Helix Arena – the new and pioneering training device from the TSG Research Lab. It is the perfect refinement of the old Helix, and offers even more options to "train the brain" of elite athletes. The ultra-modern device is a one-of-a-kind "360-degree cinema" that trains a footballer's executive functions. "In addition to basic training programmes, the Helix Arena also offers futuristic match simulation. This is extremely demanding. Ideally, the athletes should be able to train key match situations," said Prof. Dr. Jan Meyer, the chief executive officer of the TSG Research Lab.

SPIELFELD available as an e-magazine from Saturday

To provide all fans with a healthy dose of TSG in the absence of the stadium experience, and to ensure they have enough to read, the April edition of SPIELFELD will be published in full length on the club's website achtzehn99.de – as a one-off – on Saturday (4 April). As well as the full interview with Christoph Baumgartner and the feature on the Helix Arena, the e-magazine contains lots of exciting and interesting info on TSG Hoffenheim and the region.