Steffen Baumgart has enough of defensive numerical games

A structural injury cannot be seen. This is basically good news, but in view of the continuing complaints, a return forecast makes it difficult. “He is now out of the training process for longer, we are always in the rehabilitation area and try everything to find a solution quickly,” says Steffen Baumgart. Union coach hopes to be able to integrate the experienced defender into team training again next week, but you have to re -evaluate it “from day to day”.

Union has been talking about the attack and the well -known goal, but the situation on the defensive is no less interesting. After his initial switch to four chains, Baumgart returned to the triple chain to switch back to four defenders against Leipzig a week ago.

Since Vogt and the young Oluwaseun Ogbemudia were injured against Leipzig and Leopold was blocked, this looked like a forced measure, because with Diogo Bleite and Danilho Doekhi there were only two central defenders available. But Baumgart confirmed that he decided this regardless of the failures, for tactical reasons.

Baumgart looks annoyed

For a team that feels most comfortable in a chain of three, four experienced central defenders and a young talent are a rather thin line -up. Horst Heldt still saw no need for action in the winter transfer phase. “We have top defenders and are well staffed,” said Union sports director in a media round on Thursday. The injuries would come back soon and there would be some players in the squad who could help out in an emergency in central defense.

Despite Vogt’s failure, this will not be necessary against Hoffenheim. Cross -field is available again after its yellow lock and there is a lot of indication that Baumgart stays with the chain of four. Against Leipzig, Union showed a very stable performance overall and did not concede a goal for the first time since the beginning of November.

While the trainer initially spoke very openly about his tactical considerations, he now has a subtle annoyance when it comes to defense formation. “I would slowly commit myself to say nothing about the chain of three or four. Because that’s not the topic, it’s about the principles, ”says Baumgart.

The focus is above all on Hoffenheim to call up these principles over 90 minutes. While this was always better in home games, too many breaks can still be seen in the game. The last victory abroad was at Holstein Kiel in October, followed by seven competitive defeats with 3:18 goals.

“We started in Heidenheim well, started well at St. Pauli – and ended up home with zero points,” says the coach and demands that the team have to deal better with setbacks. “When we get a goal, it is about that we stay clear and in our structures. That is our learning process. “

Even if Hoffenheim has been playing a disappointing season so far and there is three points behind the Union in the table, Baumgart has great respect for the opponent. “As far as pure football games are concerned, Hoffenheim is one of the better teams in the league. You will find many solutions in the last third, ”says Union coach. “But we have a good plan.”