“School helps me with my football” | OneFootball

Elias Baum talks about his recovery from injury, improving his concentration levels while studying for his ‘Abitur’ and Eintracht’s first few training sessions under Albert Riera.

Elias, is this the first time you have spent several months on the sidelines because of injury?“Aside from the odd brief absence, I’ve definitely missed two or three months overall because of injury. Unfortunately, I’m not really sure how my last injury came about, but I obviously hope – and will do all I can – to ensure it remains an exception to the norm.”

What has been your biggest challenge recently?“Aside from the injury, the greater physicality of the Bundesliga was certainly an issue. There’s also a greater emphasis on individual assertiveness, be that in one-v-one situations or when it comes to pace. I had some catching up to do at the beginning, but recent performance tests have shown that I’ve improved in many areas since the summer.” 

A lot of people have spoken about a new start under Albert Riera. Does that apply to you in two respects? 

“I think so. On the one hand, I’ve returned to the team in good shape. On the other, circumstances have changed with the new coach. Everyone’s starting from scratch and I’m obviously hoping to be given playing opportunities in the coming months. It’s then up to me to do everything I can to make the most of them.”Riera sets great store by flexibility and being able to play in different positions. Does he know yet that you’re able to play on both flanks – left and right, in defence and in attack?“I’m aware that he has researched everything thoroughly, watched our last five games and analysed everything with us, using videos and statistics. For example, he has identified targets for us in terms of possession, passes, goalscoring chances and other areas.” 

Of all the homegrown players training with the first team, you’re currently the oldest behind Timothy Chandler. Do the younger players ever come up to you for advice? Have you helped them settle in?“Absolutely. I definitely feel I can be there for the lads, and I hope they see it that way too (laughs). Marvin Dills, Alex Staff, Ebu Bekir Is, Fousseny Doumbia and Amil Siljevic train with us on a regular basis for a reason. Marvin and Alex were recently rewarded with their senior debuts. I feel they have the right attitude, because they seek out those talks and want to know I how I was feeling after my first few professional appearances, why I decided to go on loan to Elversberg, what it was like to play in the Bundesliga, Bundesliga 2 and so on – just to get a feel for the next step. That means a lot to me because they’re all great lads and I’d really like to play alongside them for Eintracht at some point.”

Younes Ebnoutalib revealed that you were his first point of contact at Elversberg because you’re both from Frankfurt. Can you still remember your first conversation with him?“It definitely helped us bond quickly. Younes is a great character too – pleasant, polite and kind, but ambitious at the same time. As he has often mentioned, he hasn’t always had it easy. He had incredibly strong competition from Fisnik Asllani during our first six months at Elversberg, but even without a regular place in the side he always gave his all in training and continued to develop. That shows that things rarely go straight from zero to 100, but that it takes a lot of hard work and patience for someone to burst onto the scene the way Younes did in the first half of the season. I’m very for happy for him that he’s an Eagles player now and that he’s made the step up to the Bundesliga.”

You’re currently studying for your ‘Abitur’ (A-Levels, IB diploma). Does that place an extra burden on you?“There’s quite a lot to learn, but I’m confident that everything will have worked out by June, when I take my final oral exam. It’s not an extra burden – I’ve noticed that the harder I study, the more I’m able to concentrate for longer periods, which also helps in a sporting sense. It’s less of a distraction and more of a help in enabling me to focus even harder in training. The coach also expects us to think for ourselves and stay alert from the first second to the last. Given the high demands of top-level sport, this is precisely the skill that often makes the difference in the end. That’s why school helps me with my football.”