Steffen Baumgart and the belief in Sebastian Andersson
Sebastian Andersson didn’t score a third goal on matchday 23 either. Despite stronger criticism, coach Steffen Baumgart continues to hold on to the Swedes.
Cologne – Sebastian Andersson’s working day ended after 61 minutes against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening. The troubled 1. FC Köln striker has been waiting for a league goal since November 27 of last year. In the 4-1 home win over arch-rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, “Seb” was recently able to celebrate a personal sense of achievement. Although many fans have long since disagreed with the attacker’s performances, Steffen Baumgart’s statements show that the Swede has the backing of his coach.
1. FC Köln: Steffen Baumgart – “Seb works a lot”
Contrary to all criticism from his own ranks, Steffen Baumgart stands by his problem child. After the game, in which Anthony Modeste should once again be the man of the evening, the 50-year-old said: “We have to make sure that we don’t lift one into the sky and see the other too critically. Seb works a lot.” Most recently, the FC coach found nice words about his protégé and his potential when he compared the center forward with winger Jan Thielmann. It quickly became clear: When it comes to a regular place in the center of the attack, the Swede still seems to be very popular with his boss: “We mustn’t forget Seb Andersson, who has already shown a lot for the club.” His player’s physique in particular (1.90 meters tall and weighs around 85 kilograms) the Cologne trainer has often emphasized in the past.
Anthony Modeste, who is running like clockwork in front of the opposing box this season, also encouraged his fellow striker: “Seb deserves to play. I’m happy for him and I hope he meets again soon. He is a good boy.”
1. FC Cologne: Sebastian Andersson is missing the target water
In what is perhaps his best game for months, the beefy offensive player seems motivated and committed against Eintracht Frankfurt. Especially in the 25th minute, the quality of Sebastian Andersson flashed. After a pass from central defender Luca Kilian, the number nine appeared on the right edge of the penalty area, shielded the ball superbly and took a shot from an angle. Even if the leather didn’t find its way past SGE goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, such actions are brief rays of hope in what is otherwise a rather gloomy season for the professional. You can guess why the Rhinelanders once transferred 6.5 million euros to Union Berlin.
The commitment for the team was right, his individual data continue to cause disappointment among the fans. Negative comments in social networks have become visible again and again in recent times when it comes to the topic of Sebastian Andersson. From taunting remarks about its performance curve to sales requests in the summer, everything can be found again. The player himself will also have to realize that a striker is measured by his goals – and that’s no different at 1. FC Köln.
1. FC Köln: Sebastian Andersson has to convince again
A striker of his caliber – which of course also includes the transfer fee and the salary – undoubtedly has a conscientious pressure to perform. Especially at 1. FC Köln, where he is the seventh most expensive signing in the club’s history, many supporters have long since lost hope that Sebastian Andersson will find his nose for goals again.
In any case, the time to teach the doubters wrong has long since come. The 30-year-old scored his first of two goals of the season on matchday seven against newly promoted and bottom-of-the-table Greuther Fürth, the next stop in the Bundesliga. (md) More news on the 24RHEIN homepage. Tip: Fair and independent information, what happened in Cologne, Rhineland, NRW – subscribe to the free 24RHEIN newsletter here. This text was updated on February 18, 2022.