Baumgart gives update on Leite

Union Berlin head coach Steffen Baumgart was able to give a slight all-clear regarding defender Diogo Leite after today’s match against Bochum.

“I can say that he’ll be out of the hospital either tonight or tomorrow. It doesn’t seem to be as bad as we initially feared,” said the 53-year-old after Union’s 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened VfL Bochum. 

Leite had taken a powerful shot to the throat during the second half and had to be stretchered off the field.

Baumgart assured, “It’s just a matter of time, nothing more serious.”

The incident also shook striker Benedict Hollerbach, who had earlier scored Union’s opening goal. “Health is the most important thing. We only have one body, and we need it to make a living. If that stops working, then everything else stops too,” Hollerbach said.

Despite the scare, Hollerbach kept his composure on the pitch, mainly because he had to: “At the end of the day, you have to stay emotionally stable out there. In a few minutes, the game goes on and you have to perform and play good football again.”