Holger Badstuber, 28 years old and after over eight years of professional football, is all too familiar with the side-effects of the game at the highest level. On Monday afternoon, after just four days of training with the Cannstatt Boys, the new-man in White-Red had answers to all the questions on the minds of the gathered journalists. The defender discussed his first impressions at the Cannstatt Club, his targets in Stuttgart and he was never in any way perturbed by the constant questions on the serious injuries which he has suffered thus far in his career – although it is a topic which weighs heavy in his heart: "Sure I’ve been through a great number of ups and downs over the past few years – but I’ve put that behind me now. I’ve been healthy for a year, participated in every training session and played whenever I was called upon to do so during that period. My body is functioning well."
The process of recalling the potential undeniably possessed by the former German international, five-time Bundesliga champions and 2013 Champions League winner, is naturally not yet completed – which the defender himself is well aware of, although he does feel he is headed in the right direction. The centre-half firmly believes he has plenty to offer in the second part of his professional career. Compared to previously, he considers himself "more mature, better developed and physically better." Over the next few days and weeks, the focus will be on regaining consistency and settling into his new team: "I still need a bit of time to feel fit and ready. Last week I went through an individual programme, which is no substitute for proper team training. I didn’t have a pre-season programme with the team," noted Badstuber, adding: "Now every training session and every test friendly does me good. We have a good plan, so I am very relaxed."
"I see it as my responsibility to help the young players"
And the new man in the shirt with the infamous red hoop is highly motivated – not least following the wonderfully warm welcome he received in Stuttgart, which has given him the feeling that the whole club and surroundings are behind him. The defender acknowledged the impressive atmosphere created by the fans and spectators throughout last season – something which would boost any player. Badstuber is eager to get stuck into the challenge which is awaiting the team and naturally himself personally. "I really eager to start playing football now, with a team and a coach with a vision. We have the potential to create something special. I have come here to play and perform at the very best level I can. I also see it as my responsibility to help the young players."
That support of young players is something the defender experienced himself though the guidance of such individuals as Mark van Bommel, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger during his time at Bayern Munich. As the new-man noted: "We have a lot of young players with masses of potential, but who lack some experience in recognising certain situations. It’s my responsibility to lend them my support in those situations."