Baumann comments on ter Stegen injury and ongoing disputes with TSG fans
Baumann revealed that he found it painful to review the tape of Marc André ter Steen's injury. Regarding the fans, the 34-year-old expressed hope that there was "light at the end of the tunnel".
| Oliver Baumann. | Photo: Silesia711, CC-by-SA 4.0 |
After a stellar performance in last night's Europa league tie against FC Midtjylland, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann had a chance to visit with his club's traveling supporters before it was time to conduct his post-match interview with German broadcaster RTL+.
The 34-year-old TSG skipper has served as the team's liaison to the disaffected ultras throughout a chaotic and troublesome time in which the ultras are constantly protesting the administrative moves of the front office.
Baumann's interviewer generally saw the visit of Baumann and the team to the guest block as a positive exchange and asked if the trip to the "Kurve" constituted a "small or large positive step in the right direction".
"Definitely a step," Baumann said, "We had some talks with the fans and some internal chats as well. Hopefully, there's light at the end of the tunnel."
Baumann was then asked - after three consecutive Bundesliga defeats - whether or not the team had made a "large or small step in the right direction" sporting-wise.
"A bit of both," Baumann responded, "In terms of fighting spirit, morale, and cohesion there was a lot that we can take from it. Definitely a big step."
"But we often didn't take advantage of our opportunities," the net-minder nevertheless eventually continued, "We lost too many balls and made it too easy for the opponent."
"I'm not in a negative mood, but also not euphoric," Baumann ultimately concluded, "I am nonetheless happy with the point."
When it came time to discuss the German national team goalkeeping situation, Baumann first expressed empathy for his friend and colleague Marc André ter Stegen. Baumann revealed that he found himself compelled to view the scene in which ter Stegen was injured on Sunday night in Spain.
"I looked up the game immediately, rewinding and re-watching," Baumann said, "He has my deepest sympathies as I really get along well with him. I'm sorry for him and - even though he's not there any more - Manu [Neuer] too."
"It's now in the hands [Bundestrainer] Julian [Nagelsmann] and [DFB goalkeeping coach] Andreas Kronenberg," Baumann continued, "They'll decide everything."
"My dream of playing for the German national team remains alive," Baumann summed up, "It would be a dream come true, but that has nothing to do with Marc."
