Baumann: "I really suffered"

The shot-stopper was not the only man that TSG lost to injury this season. Coach Sebastian Hoeness has had to do without several players time and time again. "It certainly hurt us massively that we didn't have the 11 players on the pitch that we could've had all that often this season. It's been a real rollercoaster ride this year; we've had top games in the Bundesliga as well, but we've also had terrible moments, as you know," said the TSG vice-captain.

This season saw Baumann called up by the German national team for the first time in his career. The goalkeeper believes this to be a clear vindication of his performances over the last few years. "Of course, it stings a little that I am not able to play a role in the EURO squad on account of the injury. But now it's just important to avoid straining myself. I'm on the fringes of the squad, and it's obviously my goal to get closer. I've had a good conversation with goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke and I know that the DFB has me on their radar." His dream remains to make his debut in between the sticks for Germany: "I obviously do want to make an international appearance at some stage and I believe there's a chance, as I definitely don't see myself as worse than others. Not like everyone, but like some others. I'm currently in my prime goalkeeping years at 31 and I also showed last season that I belong there."