Dhe calming mantra from Steffen Baumgart only helped a few seconds. “Let’s start slowly,” said the agitated coach of 1. FC Köln at the beginning of his outlook on the Friday game of the Bundesliga at TSG Hoffenheim (8.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and at DAZN). But moments later, the coach let his emotions run free and talked himself into a rage again.
This time Baumgart, who, as is well known, has never shied away from an argument on controversial issues, complained about the heavy burden on national players and the termination of the German Football League (DFL) after the international break. “The Friday game went to a broadcaster. So it’s about the fact that a game should be shown “, Baumgart grumbled:” What would you like to hear from me – except for the fact that I am adapted? “
The question was more of a rhetorical nature, because the audience had heard enough complaints beforehand. “I have not yet seen a measure that really protects our players. The national players have not only the game but also the travel strain, “Baumgart railed:” We have to send most of those who come back to the doctor first. “
Hoffenheim with problems
After all, Baumgart got the curve in the direction of the opening game of the eighth matchday shortly afterwards. “Despite the criticism, we will be well prepared,” promised the 49-year-old, who was upset primarily because of the failure of Ellyes Skhiri. The Tunisian midfielder returned from the international match against Mauritania with a knee injury and is out.
The people of Cologne should actually be well prepared. After all, FC, who have not yet won away from home this season, have been waiting for a win against Kraichgauer for ten games. The last six encounters were all lost.
On the other hand, TSG, which lagged far behind their own expectations, only won one of their last six games. While Hoffenheim are in eleventh place in the table with eight points, FC ranks sixth with twelve points. In the past 24 years, Cologne only had a better record at this point in 2016/17.
Because of these numbers, there is an unusual calm at FC, while TSG coach Sebastian Hoeneß is under pressure. Again and again there are rumors that the coach is no longer sitting too firmly in the saddle. Above all, the statements of majority owner Dietmar Hopp, who wants to see his club continuously on a European Cup place, recently made people sit up and take notice.
Hoeneß emphasized that he “in no way” felt the Hopp statements as pressure: “I know that Dietmar is ambitious – and that’s a good thing.”
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