“Get on my balls” – Steffen Baumgart’s angry speech about Modeste’s change
A few hours before the first game of the season, Cologne and Borussia Dortmund reach an agreement on the transfer of Anthony Modeste. Cologne’s coach then deleted the top striker from the squad. Only after the victory does Steffen Baumgart reveal what bothers him about the change.
Anthony Modeste was not in the 1. FC Köln squad due to his almost certain move to runners-up Borussia Dortmund. “It’s not fixed, but there is an oral agreement. And that’s why I think he’s no longer there – and that’s why I decided that, too,” said Cologne coach Steffen Baumgart before Sunday’s game against Schalke 04 on “DAZN”: “There’s a clear edge there.”
Baumgart emphasized that Modeste had to accept his decision. He didn’t talk to the French. “My mood wasn’t that good,” said the coach. He will talk to him on Monday. “Everyone can imagine that this is borderline for us from the point of view of time.” It is clear that Modeste will be missing from the team.
Agreement with BVB on Sunday afternoon
FC managing director Christian Keller had previously confirmed that the people of Cologne “orally reached a basic agreement with BVB about his move to BVB” on Sunday afternoon. The transfer should be confirmed after the medical check, which is scheduled for Monday. The 34-year-old Frenchman scored 20 goals this season.
However, after the 3-1 victory over Schalke, Baumgart became emotional and clear. With a little angry speech, he vented his frustration about the timing of the change. “The fact that it comes out today on the day of the game is what pisses me off,” said Baumgart.
“It also has to do with fair play that you keep it under the cover and don’t talk big. That’s what gets on my nerves,” Baumgart complained: “So we got into a difficult situation four hours before the game and I’ve got the arse card because I have a good relationship with Tony personally and have to make the decision , to take out the boy who would have liked to play.”
He does not want to judge who released the forthcoming transfer, which is due to be finalized on Monday. “It doesn’t matter whether it came from Tony’s environment, from us or from Dortmund,” said Baumgart: “But I’m relatively sure that it didn’t come from us because we don’t harm ourselves.” He didn’t want to blame anyone , “but it was never one. Still, it comes out. And someone must have been.”
