Baumann: "Validation of my hard work and development"

Mr Baumann, welcome to the national team. What has been your impression of the DFB team so far?

"My impressions so far have been totally positive and pleasant. It is fun to train in this group because the level of quality is also very high. I quickly got used to it too – I know a lot of the boys from the league, and I have also played with some already, such as Niklas Süle at Hoffenheim or Matthias Ginter at Freiburg.”

Of the current DFB squad, only Toni Kroos, also born in 1990, is a few months older than you. Most of the players are much younger. Do you really feel like a "newbie" in this regard?

"In fact, I'm one of the more experienced players because of my age. I was also aware of this during the pre-season with Hoffenheim – as the boys born in 2000 are now training with us and want to take their first steps in the professional game. I think that is quite a normal development. This is my first time with the national team, but after so many years in the Bundesliga, I already know most of them. By the way, I used to play with Toni Kroos in some international games at youth level, so now we are coming full circle (laughs)."

You have been a goalkeeper in the Bundesliga for ten years and have played 329 matches in the top tier for Freiburg and Hoffenheim. Hand on heart: how much were you hoping for a call-up before other international games?

"Maybe I'm like a good wine (laughs). Seriously though: based on my own will and drive, it has always been my goal to make this leap into the national team scene. But I'm not the type of guy who makes big demands for something like that in interviews. I find that disrespectful and it would not suit me. In my view, it's about performing well, and I'm convinced that performances will be noticed."

With Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen, the national team is currently missing two goalkeepers. What did you do to make a good impression with the DFB team?

"I believe that the call-up firstly provides some validation of my hard work and development in recent years. In this regard, I want to build on my achievements and back them up in every training session with the DFB team. I definitely want to make a good impression. With everything else, I am totally relaxed. Nevertheless, I also want to play games for the national team. That is my personal mission. At the end of the day, however, it is important that we, as a team, make a good start to the Nations League."

At club level, you have a new manager at TSG Hoffenheim in Sebastian Hoeness this season. What have you done for the 2020/2021 season?

"Basically, first and foremost, every player has to do his part to bring the coach's ideas to bear on the pitch as quickly as possible. We have already had a small transformation with a few new or recently loaned guys. It's about setting ourselves up well for the start of the Bundesliga and getting points on the board right away. Personally, I would also like to take on a lot of responsibility during the new season and give the team an element of reliability. We also have a few massive games in the Europa League ahead of us. I really want to go beyond the group stage."