SPIELFELD
06/02/2021

Baumann: "I really suffered"

Oliver Baumann missed the final two games of the 2020/21 campaign. The TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper's season was brought to a premature end by an injury to his pubic bone. But the 31-year-old is hoping to be fit again when preparations for the new season get under way. "I've been training in pain for the last two months, putting myself at the service of the club and the team. That has been really difficult mentally too. I'll be honest about it: it wasn't fun at all during that time. I simply suffered through it," Baumann said in an interview with club magazine SPIELFELD, which will be published on Friday (4 June).

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."

SPIELFELD is the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim club magazine. Brimming with important content about TSG and the region, SPIELFELD is published 11 times per year. You can pick up your copy free of charge in the Fan Shop – or have it delivered to your home. The shipping cost is only €18.99.

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