1. FC Köln: 14 games decide: That’s why Cologne firmly believes in the Euro miracle – Bundesliga
“In the end I would like to be in front of Union and stay in front of Hoffenheim.”
Just in time for the league final sprint and before the home game today (3.30 p.m. / Sky) against Bielefeld, coach Steffen Baumgart (50) announced the fight for sixth place. Means: 14 finals will decide Cologne’s Euro dream from today…
The rivals are clear: The pentathlon including Frankfurt has recently become a four-way battle due to four winless games by the Hessians: Freiburg (5th place), Union (6th place) and Hoffenheim (8th place) are still fighting with FC for the Euro qualification and participation the Conference or Europa League.
Four clubs. Four game days. Two direct duels. “We have everything in our own hands,” says star striker Anthony Modeste (34) despite seventh place!
Why do the team and coach believe so firmly in the euro miracle just a year after the relegation spasm?
► Because the competitors still meet and Freiburg, Berlin and Hoffenheim take the points from each other in two direct duels.
► Because FC “only” plays against teams that are far below Cologne in the table – teams that, like Bielefeld and Stuttgart, are in acute need of relegation or, like Augsburg and Wolfsburg, could slip in below. The rest of the program speaks for Cologne.
Good mood! Trainer Steffen Baumgart even kicked in at the final training sessionPhoto: Andreas Pohl
► Because the euphoria and form curve in the long-distance duel with Union in 6th place speaks for Cologne. While the Berliners only dropped out of the cup in Leipzig on Wednesday and have to play for RB today, Baumgart says after the victories against Mainz and Gladbach: “Of course you’re in a better mood after success.”
► Because the gate blockade seems to have been solved: FC shot six stalls in the last two games. Baumgart’s professionals had previously needed eight games. “It looked good again recently,” the coach knows.
Cologne’s final sprint for the euro miracle. The chance is there. The will anyway. Baumgart: “We want to win everything – we’ll see if we succeed.”