Baumgartner: "Trying to support wherever I can" | OneFootball

Baumi’s dream of playing at the World Cup has been dashed, but the tournament will not take place entirely without him. Speaking at a media session at Austria’s World Cup base in Santa Barbara, Christoph Baumgartner discussed his current situation, his ongoing rehab with the national team and the support he has received from RB Leipzig.

Rehab with Austria

Our attacking midfielder suffered a thigh muscle injury before Austria’s final World Cup warm-up match against Tunisia. Following a successful procedure with a specialist in Finland, Baumi is now able to complete parts of his rehab with Austria in the USA after close consultation with RB Leipzig.

“I’m really happy to be here now, even if the circumstances are different to how I imagined them,” the 26-year-old told ORF.

The attacking midfielder felt a twinge in his leg during the warm-up before the Tunisia game. “That was when I knew something had happened. But it still came as a surprise that it was something more serious.”

The diagnosis hit him hard: “It was a huge shock for me. After two or three days, that feeling started to pass. I told myself: it’s happened now, unfortunately that’s part of sport – and from here, I’m only looking forwards.”

Big dream, different role

That is precisely why the trip to the USA means so much to him. “It was a huge dream of mine to be at the World Cup in the USA. Even if things have turned out differently to how I’d hoped, I’m happy to be with my boys, my friends and my national team.”

It is hugely important mentally too: “It’s a really special moment to be able to hug them again. I’m very grateful to be part of the group again.”

That was made possible by close coordination between RBL and the Austrian FA. “I’m extremely grateful to my club for allowing me to be here. That’s anything but a given when you’re injured. I’m in the best hands here and I’ll do everything I can to get fit again as quickly as possible.”

Baumi brings the energy

His focus is clearly on getting back to full fitness. At the same time, Baumi also wants to help Austria off the pitch – with his experience, his insights on the game and his positive personality.

“I’m trying to support wherever I can. First and foremost, by bringing energy. I’ll try to pass on everything I have and be the team’s biggest fan. But rehab is obviously always the focus.”

Baumi will not have the role at this World Cup that he had dreamed of. But he remains right in the thick of it: as a teammate, a source of energy – and with his eyes firmly fixed forwards.

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