Baumann before national team debut: Hoffenheim keeper in focus!

Baumann before national team debut: Hoffenheim keeper in focus!

Wolfgang Baumann, goalkeeper of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, looks at his upcoming debut in the German national soccer team. He expressed that he couldn't wait to see his teammates again and finally be used. "I'm extremely happy, I'm very happy," said the 34-year-old after the exciting 1-1 draw against VfB Stuttgart, where he could compete with his competitor Alexander Nübel.

Most of the time ago, national coach Julian Nagelsmann announced that Baumann will debut in the first of two upcoming Nation League games, which will take place in Zenica against Bosnia-Herzegovina next Friday. Baumann took note of the news calmly: "I only noticed it, as it stood in the media. You perceive it and then you continue and try to simply perform your performance."

injury to Ter Stegen ensures restructuring

The Situation around the goalkeeper position has gained urgency due to the long-term failure of the injured regular keeper Marc-André Ter. Ter Stegen was injured on a knee and his absence made a change in the national team necessary. Baumann sees his task the chance to help the team on both the square and away from it.

In the match against Stuttgart, Baumann almost celebrated an too-zero game, but the last action in added time brought an unhappy turn. VfB Stuttgart was awarded a penalty, which Hetired Demirovic shot. Baumann kept the first shot, but had to surrender against the margin. "It is bitter. It would have been a nice scenario, but in the end the pressure was very high. We defended a lot," said the goalkeeper after the game.

teammates and competition support

Nübel also regrets, Baumann's bad luck at the last moment. "It is very bitter for Olli. Of course very happy for us and that counts," said Nübel. He also has hope for his own international debut and would like to "train well and have fun with Olli in the coming days. Both keepers know that the national team team has to stand together in this phase, especially since Nagelsmann also nominated Janis Blaswich from Red Bull Salzburg as the third goalkeeper.

The national team gathered in Herzogenaurach on Monday, where there is further training. Preparations for the games against Bosnia and three days later against the Netherlands not only focus on strategic planning, but also on mutual trust within the team. Each player now has the opportunity to prove themselves in the national context and to step into the footsteps of the big names.

summarized the situation for Baumann is an exciting challenge in which not only his skills in the goal can prove itself, but also his character as a teammate and teammates in a newly formed environment.