Double burden and Özcan farewell: These construction sites make Cologne coach Baumgart’s job more difficult
The best news of the summer from the point of view of 1. FC Köln was served to the fans for breakfast on the morning of June 27th: At 9.32 a.m. the club announced via its social channels that coach Steffen Baumgart had extended his contract with the billy goats early – the working paper now runs until 2024. “I’m sure the project isn’t over yet,” said Baumgart, full of optimism.
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The project manager with the iconic flat cap breathed new life into FC and led the supposed relegation candidates in the Conference League last season. This is not the only reason why Baumgart is untouchable. With his impulsive art on the sidelines and clear words, the hearts of the fans fly to him. Unforgettable is the video of his daughter, when Baumgart had to watch the home game against Freiburg in front of the TV because of a corona infection, he yelled at him and his dog put his paw on his shoulder to calm him down.
This season, however, another task awaits the head coach. The pressure of expectations has grown in the traditionally troubled Cologne environment. In addition, the possible double burden – FC must first qualify for the group stage of the Conference League – can become a problem.
In 2017/18, Cologne also took part in international business and were relegated at the end of the season as bottom of the table. “At the moment there’s a lot of talk about what we can’t achieve this year. Because we couldn’t repeat a season like that, because we play internationally, because it dies, because that’s what happened,” said Baumgart, annoyed. “But I don’t want to deal with what we can’t do, but with what we can do.”
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In order to be prepared for the new tasks, the people of Cologne have invested in the transfer market. Striker Steffen Tigges came from Dortmund for the offensive, and winger Linton Maina switched from second division side Hannover 96. Sargis Adamyan (Hoffenheim) and Eric Martel (Leipzig) should clean up in midfield, the defense should be closed by Kristian Pedersen (Birmingham City) and Luca Kilian (Mainz), who was recently only on loan and is now committed.
“I think we’re in a very good position,” says Baumgart. However, the departure of midfield strategist Salih Özcan, who went to Dortmund, weighs heavily. And another could threaten. Anthony Modeste, last season’s guarantor of success with 20 goals in 32 league games, surprisingly flirted with his farewell in the preparation. “I have a clear line. If something comes up, I have to talk to the club,” said Modeste. “I’m 34 years old. I only have one career.”
There could still be trouble for the FC in the preparation that has been so harmonious so far. In three friendlies there has been no defeat so far. The game on Saturday (6.30 p.m. live and free of charge at Magenta TV) against AC Milan.
The FC coach sells the goals for the coming season as follows: “We want to play well and develop the club further. One thing is to get to the top, the other is to stay on top. That’s the difficult part,” explained Baumgart. But the whole of Cologne is certain: if anyone can make it, it’s the oddball with the flat cap.
Author’s prognosis: FC will not be able to repeat their strong previous season and will end up in the secure midfield. The possible double burden will bring the club to its qualitative limit despite the newcomers. Thanks to Baumgart, the relegation battle is not an issue.