It was the emotional highlight of FC Bayern’s München’s second round DFB Cup win against Augsburg. National team player Holger Badstuber celebrated his comeback, once again. The 27-year-old centre back spoke to DFB.de of “an unbelievable feeling” on his return to action.
Question Mr. Badstuber, you’ve made a comeback once again. What did you make of the standing ovation you received from the fans and players, when you were substituted in the 81st minute?
Holger Badstuber It was an unbelievable feeling and it was very touching. That is simply pure emotion. The fans gave me a great reception. I really appreciate the support the fans always give me. It really does take your breath away and for that, I am very thankful.
Question It seems to be your umpteenth comeback. This time round, you are making your competitive return after nine months out injured.
Badstuber I have said to myself that this is the last comeback I will be making. I’ve decided that I don’t want to once again be returning from a long layoff. I will now be working very hard to make sure that I can stay fit in the future and help the team out as much as I can. I just want to be in and around the action. That’s the most important thing for now, but I also have my long-term goals in mind as well.
Question And those goals are…?
Badstuber The main thing I am concentrating on now is staying fit and in-form. That is the only way I will be able to gradually build-up my performances. You feel very down when you are forced to suffer yet another setback.I’ve now found a good training routine and feel great. I have faith in this method.
It was the emotional highlight of FC Bayern’s München’s second round DFB Cup win against Augsburg. National team player Holger Badstuber celebrated his comeback, once again. The 27-year-old centre back spoke to DFB.de of “an unbelievable feeling” on his return to action.
Question Mr. Badstuber, you’ve made a comeback once again. What did you make of the standing ovation you received from the fans and players, when you were substituted in the 81st minute?
Holger Badstuber It was an unbelievable feeling and it was very touching. That is simply pure emotion. The fans gave me a great reception. I really appreciate the support the fans always give me. It really does take your breath away and for that, I am very thankful.
Question It seems to be your umpteenth comeback. This time round, you are making your competitive return after nine months out injured.
Badstuber I have said to myself that this is the last comeback I will be making. I’ve decided that I don’t want to once again be returning from a long layoff. I will now be working very hard to make sure that I can stay fit in the future and help the team out as much as I can. I just want to be in and around the action. That’s the most important thing for now, but I also have my long-term goals in mind as well.
Question And those goals are…?
Badstuber The main thing I am concentrating on now is staying fit and in-form. That is the only way I will be able to gradually build-up my performances. You feel very down when you are forced to suffer yet another setback.I’ve now found a good training routine and feel great. I have faith in this method.
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Question What do you mean by that exactly?
Badstuber Right now I feel good, my body feels good and the situation I am is good. I need to look after my body and react to what it is telling. I really do feels great. I obviously had to take a lot of responsibility for that, but if I can stay problem-free for a long period of time, then I can accept it. I am confident it will all work out well. But, I have managed to stay positive in the recent past too and I will continue to stay positive. Still I need to work hard in order to get back to the levels I want to be at.
Question What percentage would you say you are at, both fitness-wise and performance-wise?
Badstuber It’s hard to give a number, but obviously I still have a lot more to come. I’ve now been in team training for three weeks. That has helped me a lot, but nothing can really replicate match intensity. It’s about feeling comfortable on the pitch again and I am working hard towards that.
Question Carlo Ancelotti threw you into the action in the 81st minute, coming on for Mats Hummels, with the score at 2-1. Augsburg pulled one back and the game was hanging in the balance at that point.
Badstuber It wasn’t planned for me to come on with the game in the situation that it was in. Had Thomas Müller made it 3-0 with the penalty we got, then it would have been a lot easier for the coach to get me into the action. But still, it was nice to know that he showed trust in me, to be able to put me on at that point.
Question Is your goal to be back in contention for a starting place, alongside fellow centre.backs Mats Hummels, Jérome Boateng and Javi Martinez?
Badstuber The goal is durability and then to get everything out of myself and keep improving my performances. I want to reach a level that I haven’t been at for a long time and maybe even a level I have never actually reach. But as I said, I feel good and believe in myself. This is the most important thing for me at the moment.
