Last summer, 1. FC Köln had to cope with the departure of the two top performers Salih Özcan (24) and Anthony Modeste (34). Nevertheless, the Domstadter played a decent first half of the season by their standards. After successfully qualifying for the Conference League, the Bundesliga representative fell conceivably narrowly in the group phase. With 13th place in the league, Cologne is also on target.
Compared to the Cologne ‘Express’, Steffen Baumgart draws a positive conclusion: “I’m proud of the performance of my boys – over the whole year, even if the results weren’t right at the end. You mustn’t forget: We were extremely unlucky with injuries, important regular players like Salih Özcan and Anthony Modeste left us. So I am very satisfied and optimistic about the new year.”
Next upheaval in summer?
In the new year, however, there are also numerous contractual issues. Ten player contracts expire at the end of the season. The departure of world championship driver Ellyes Skhiri (27) can no longer be prevented. In the case of Jonas Hector (32) and Timo Horn (29), however, the last word has not yet been spoken.
“I wish above all that Timo makes the right decision and is satisfied. He has to make this decision for himself, not for us.”says Baumgart, “We will now also enter into talks with him. From my point of view, Timo is not only a deserving player, but a native of Cologne who has experienced a lot with the club. Nevertheless, the sporting situation is not satisfactory for Timo at the moment.”
The problem from Horn’s point of view: After many years as number one, the goalkeeper has only been a substitute for a long time. This season, the homegrown talent has only played once in the DFB Cup. “One thing is certain: I consider him a Bundesliga goalkeeper”Baumgart continues, “Not for a number two. Marvin (Schwäbe, editor’s note) is doing so well at the moment that Timo’s path to number one is blocked.”
Hector’s path still unclear
It’s different with Hector. The Billy Goats captain is still a regular. But the 43-time national player is flirting with a career end in the summer. There is no discernible tendency for the left foot.
“I don’t ask him: how are you today, have you already made a decision? That would be nonsense”according to Baumgart, “If Jonas stays, I’ll be really happy. If not, we still have to continue on our way.” Since taking office in 2021, the 50-year-old has basically experienced a Hector, “the goat has”. But: “We should just wait and see, nobody can influence their decision.”
