FC Köln: Steffen Baumgart’s clear promise – “I’ll stay in Cologne” – Bundesliga
The league stumbles over 1. FC Köln! The club was relegated quickly last year.
After the derby triumph in Gladbach (3: 1), FC reaches for Europe. But the league is also wondering: Why doesn’t Cologne immediately extend Steffen Baumgart (50), whose contract expires in 2023?
In the BILD TV program “Lage der Liga” the successful coach spoke about his future.
Baumgart: “We’re in exchange, that’s all okay. We have set all the signs. We will have these conversations. We don’t have any time pressure there either, you can do everything in peace. Why? Because no one looks left or right.”
While there is often a lot of gambling going on in the professional business, Baumgart makes a promise to BILD that makes all Cologne fans love him even more.
Baumgart: “I’m looking forward to next year, and then there will definitely be talks.”
Means: He will definitely continue to be the FC coach in the coming season. Baumgart confirmed his promise to other journalists at BILD: “I’ll definitely stay.”
But: Baumgart also arouses desires in financially stronger clubs. He plays attractive attacking football and is popular with opposing fans thanks to his wonderfully honest manner. Even a Gladbach fan asked for his hat – and got it…
Are there any requests from other clubs? Baumgart: “No, there isn’t.”
Nevertheless, Cologne should hurry up with the negotiations so that he can stay beyond 2023. The plan: his current salary (around 900,000 euros without
bonuses) almost double.
What does FC say about Baumgart’s future?
New sports boss Christian Keller (43): “Steffen and I will agree to extend his contract in the course of this season. As soon as there is something concrete to report, we will let you know.”
Sounds sober. But the message is all the more emotional: Baumgart will stay in Cologne longer!