RB Leipzig's Austrian midfield star Christoph Baumgartner on his UEFA Champions League qualification hopes, facing Lionel Messi at the World Cup and mentoring Yan Diomande

Christoph Baumgartner sat down for an interview with the Bundesliga to reflect on a strong season at RB Leipzig and how the 26-year-old midfielder has helped young talents like Yan Diomande, before discussing Austria's prospects at the upcoming World Cup, where they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina...

Bundesliga: You must be pleased with how the season is going for you as Leipzig's joint-top scorer with 12 goals?

Baumgartner: "Yes, I worked a lot the last two years, but those last two seasons were not as satisfying as this season. I'm pretty proud of what I have done and how I have helped the team, and I'm happy to be part of this great team."

Bundesliga: How confident are you of helping Leipzig return to the Champions League next season?

Baumgartner: "We are in a good position, but it's not done yet. We have to win probably two more games, and then we will be sure of it. It's always about the next game. We are looking forward to playing at home against Union Berlin now. That's always a difficult game against difficult opponents."

Watch: The best of Baumgartner

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Bundesliga: Leipzig have had periods of differing form this season. Was it difficult to get back on track for the top four?

Baumgartner: "I think that's football. We're a group of a lot of young players, and it's pretty normal that you're not always at your top in terms of performance. It's not that easy to always keep the same intensity. I think the most important thing is to come out of those periods again, and I think we did a really good job by fighting back and now we are in a really good position."

Bundesliga: Diomande is the other Leipzig player on 12 goals this season - what is your connection to him like?

Baumgartner: "Yan is a fantastic player, and we are good friends. He will be a world-class player, if he isn't already. He’s so fast, and he’s so good at dribbling. He’s also a smart guy. What I really love about him is that he’s cool at finishing. I’m so happy to play with him. I hope I can help him in his development. We speak a lot sometimes and I try to help him, but there isn't much about football I can teach him, more off-the-pitch matters."

About the players

14

Christoph

Baumgartner

Midfielder

RB Leipzig

Bundesliga: How has Ole Werner done such a good job in his first season as Leipzig coach?

Baumgartner: "He's a great guy. I think he does an amazing job. There were a lot of new players coming in this season. A lot of good players left the club and he managed that really well. He has developed a great team with everybody working hard for the team. He's a guy who is always focused on the game. He's not too emotional, but he can be in important moments, which is a great mix."

Ole Werner has started Baumgartner in 28 of the 29 matches he has been available for this season. - IMAGO/Michael Taeger

Bundesliga: You must be looking forward to representing Austria at the World Cup this summer, we presume?

Baumgartner: "Yes, we're really looking forward to it. It's going to be the biggest thing in my career so far. Playing a World Cup and playing against Messi will be something really special for me. I think the people who follow the Bundesliga know that we have a great team in Austria, and we want to show what we can do."

Watch: Baumgartner's brilliant season

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Bundesliga: If you weren't a footballer, what job would you have?

Baumgartner: "I think I would be a teacher - for maths and sport. My mum is a teacher, and I love to work with people."

Bundesliga: What animal would you be, if you could choose one?

Baumgartner: "I would have to say a dog, as they give you so much, and I think they're the most beautiful animals in the world. Maybe I would be a Rhodesian Ridgeback, a big, strong dog."

About the clubs

RB Leipzig

Red Bull Arena