Football World Cup: Competitor Baumann feels for ter Stegen: You wouldn’t wish it on anyone

Ter Stegen has to undergo an operation this Friday. In his second game for FC Girona, the German, who was on loan from FC Barcelona until the end of the season, sustained a thigh injury. Ter Stegen will be out for several months. The 33-year-old’s chances of taking part in the World Cup in the summer are now probably very slim. The next test matches for the DFB selection are scheduled for the end of March.

Baumann: Egos are secondary

Baumann is no longer just a placeholder for the virtual German number 1. “I’m just proud to be part of it. For me personally, that’s the interesting thing: I only notice it from the outside,” he said about his role in the DFB selection: “One comes and says: ‘Number one? Yes’. The other comes and says: ‘Number one? Maybe.’ I’m really not interested in that at the moment. I’m proud to probably be able to go along for the ride.”

The national team is such a big thing where egos are secondary. “We should show respect to everyone involved and treat the topic with respect,” demanded Baumann.

Duel with Neuer on Sunday in Munich

The anticipation for the World Cup is extremely great. “Now the biggest tournament of all and hopefully being there is a huge dream,” said Baumann before the top game in the Bundesliga next Sunday in Munich against FC Bayern.

There will also be a goalkeeper duel with the 2014 world champion and former national goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 39-year-old played 124 times for Germany. His name comes up again and again in connection with the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, especially after Ter Stegen’s renewed bad luck with injuries. Neuer resigned from the national team two years ago following the home European Championships.