1. FC Köln is still in cloud nine after winning the Rhine derby in Borussia Mönchengladbach. Stephen Baumgart’s side took a deserved 3-1 win at Borussia Park on Saturday night, climbing to sixth place – and could continue to maintain their legitimate hopes of entering the European business. Cologne had already won the first leg against Borussia with a score of 4: 1.
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The day after the derby victory, Baumgart renewed Build Live FC’s goal now is the desire to move to the European Cup: “The goals for us were going on. The internal goals were different, we said that from the start. Now we can change the goals because the team’s performance brings them.” The football club has created a “basis” for the whole season, with which one can now also achieve more ambitious goals.
Despite all the euphoria, Cologne faces a tough season ahead. “We don’t know what’s going to happen with us in the summer and of course we’re also whimsical when it comes to the players. Then there might be a change for us again,” says Baumgart. In addition, one is “financially not in the best shape at the moment, also because of the pandemic.” In the future, the main thing will be to “continue to settle in the Bundesliga”. Especially important for Baumgart: to get the next season on stage without getting into big problems. “Next, we’ll tick all three boxes here in Cologne,” said the coach.
An early contract extension with Baumgart is “not a problem” at the moment. “I think we should stay relaxed,” explains the 50-year-old. “We’re going to have these conversations,” but there’s no time pressure. Baumgart then explained – to the delight of all FC fans – that he sees himself in FC for the long-term: “I am looking forward to next year, and then there will definitely be talks and after that you will see very clearly how the talks are going without making any predictions in the future. Any direction – except that I’d like to stay here.”