Who would have seriously believed that last summer? Cologne has not lost a derby this season!
On the contrary: The “small” neighborhood duel once morest Leverkusen (2:2/1:0) went successfully to FC. The cult derby once morest Gladbach won 4-1 in the first leg. It is unthinkable that the second leg at Borussia should also be won on Saturday (6.30 p.m., Sky). Then coach Steffen Baumgart (50) and his boys would definitely be the new kings in the Rhineland!
“We’re going there to win,” assures Baumgart. And further: “That is our motivation and of course an extraordinary game for both clubs!”
For the next coup: These are the 5 Cologne derby trumps!
Bank-Power
Cologne’s big pound this season: Baumgart’s Joker! Substitutes have accounted for ten goals and ten assists so far. The coach has even more choices in Gladbach: Schmitz, Hübers, Andersson and Thielmann are returning, maybe Schindler too. Partly in the starting eleven, partly on the bench. “We have always emphasized that we win games through substitutions,” says Baumgart.
Passion
It does not work? there isn’t! FC have already picked up 17 points from behind this season. Like the crazy 3:2 once morest Mainz, when Cologne was still 0:2 behind following 60 minutes, but won 3:2 in the end. Dejan Ljubicic (24): “It’s been a feature of us all season that we never give up. We only look ahead!” Baumgart: “The team keeps going and never lets up. Even if she doesn’t play well.”
Photo: Andreas Pohl
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/kennt- kein-angst-trainersteffen-baumgart-ef5c7e3e2af1482d8fe01aa4ef1d2647-79762762/Bild/1.bild.jpg”/> Knows no fear: coach Steffen BaumgartPhoto: Andreas Pohl
Özcan return
After his substitution once morest Mainz, Salih Özcan (25) initiated the turnaround. Rear stabilizer, in front he prepared the winning goal with a powerful header. Baumgart: “At the moment he cannot be replaced.” Özcan contests the most duels at FC (25 on average). Crucial for the heated derby: In Gladbach, Özcan (88 percent pass rate) has strength once more for 90 minutes following a Corona break!
Team spirit
The squad sticks together in a similar way as in the euro year 2016/17. There are no stinky boots in the team. This is above all Baumgart’s merit: he gives every player the feeling of being needed. “We don’t have an A-Eleven,” he says. The coach also keeps everyone in a good mood with internal bets and games. Luca Kilian (22): “The team is a tight-knit bunch!”
self-consciousness
Even before games like Bayern or Dortmund, Baumgart makes the announcement: “We want to win!” Cologne always tries to play forward – even when things go wrong. The mega euphoria makes it possible: since the Mainz victory at the latest, the goal of Europe is no longer officially taboo! The players talk openly regarding it. Internally for weeks. More broad chest is not possible!