“We’re right on track”: Baumi takes the next step in his recovery | OneFootball

He’s finally back running again, and anyone who has seen Christoph Baumgartner at the Training camp in Saalfelden will quickly realise one thing. Having suffered a heartbreaking injury that kept him out of the World Cup, the Austria international has long since turned his focus back towards the future.

Around two months after sustaining his serious thigh injury, Baumi is taking the next steps on the road back to full fitness. While his teammates are working on preparations for the new season out on the pitch, the 26-year-old is completing his individual programme.

“When you’re allowed to run again for the first time after two months, you think to yourself: this is really brilliant. Normally, running is just part of everyday life. In this situation, it suddenly becomes something you really enjoy.”

Occasionally, Baumi even has the ball back at his feet. The Austrian is still a decent way from joining full team training, but his first cautious touches with that favourite piece of equipment mean a great deal to him.

“We’re still a long way away from real football training, but it’s something really special. You often only learn to appreciate these things again when they haven’t been possible for a while.”

Our number 14 does not want to rush his return: “My aim is to come back 100 percent fit. So far, everything has gone incredibly well and we’re right on track. The key will be seeing how my body reacts when it comes to shooting and sprinting again.”

Strength gained from the World Cup trip

The injury just before the World Cup was a huge blow for the forward. “The first two or three days were really tough. The World Cup was a dream I’d had for 26 years – and it disappeared with one shot.”

During this period, Baumi was able to rely on the full support of the club and everyone around it. Shortly after the extent of the injury was ascertained, our top scorer across last season underwent surgery with a specialist before travelling to join up with the Austria national team in the USA.

“Everything everyone at Red Bull did was exceptional. I received every bit of support from the very first moment.” Being close to his teammates and friends in particular helped him process the disappointment and gain newfound energy.

“It was extremely important for me to travel to America to be with the guys, with my friends. The worst thing for me would have been sitting at home and watching the games from there.”

However, there were still some painful moments: “When you’re standing on the touchline with crutches and watching your teammates warm up, it’s not easy. Nevertheless, it was definitely the right decision to be there with the team.”

Help from David Alaba

The conversations with David Alaba were particularly valuable for Baumi, as he himself missed UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany due to injury.

“David knows what it feels like to miss out on such a big dream. Especially in the first couple of weeks, I was able to learn a lot from him in terms of mindset.”

For one of Austria’s most well-known footballers, the mental side plays a crucial role on the road back. “If you get stuck in negative thoughts too much, that can also have a negative impact on the healing process.”

Taking responsibility even without minutes on the pitch

Following the departure of Péter Gulácsi, Baumi is now one of the most experienced players in the squad. The right-footer has made 120 competitive appearances for RBL, scoring 27 goals and providing 14 assists.

“We have a young team, and I enjoy taking responsibility. Leading by example with good performances is always the most important thing. On top of that, you can also give the team a lot through your energy and conversations.”

The 26-year-old wants to be there as a point of contact for the younger players in particular: “It’s important that everyone pulls in the same direction and gives everything. I want to play my part in that.”

First contact with Micho

He has also already been in contact with head coach Martín Demichelis ahead of his return to the RB squad. “The coach sent me a really nice message. He wished me all the best for my rehabilitation and said that he was looking forward to working together.”

Due to his own rehabilitation, Baumi has not been able to follow much of the training so far. Nevertheless, his first impression is positive: “The head coach is also making a very good impression away from the pitch. The same applies to his coaching staff.”

There is still plenty of work to do before his return. But the joy of football is already back. “I love football more than anything. When you’re not allowed to touch a ball for two months, it’s really tough. That makes it even better to slowly start getting back to it now.”

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