1. FC Köln: Steffen Baumgart wants 3rd derby prank! | Sports

No time for euro frustration |

Baumgartwill 3rd derby prank!

The bankruptcy in the Conference League against Belgrade (0:1) was just a few seconds old when the Cologne fans switched to derby mode – and got their team in the mood for their arch-rivals with the usual chants…

There is no time for euro frustration anyway!

If this extra motivation is still needed in such an emotional game (Sun., 3.30 p.m., DAZN): Steffen Baumgart (50) can celebrate his third derby prank as Cologne coach in Gladbach! And FC even get their fourth win in a row against Borussia!

“We will play forward and continue to do everything we can to win games. And the derby is part of that,” says Baumgart, “I’m expecting a highly intense game. We’re not trying to make us forget the defeat against Belgrade. But to make the derby as good as possible.”

► Last season Cologne won 4:1 and 3:1 under Baumgart. Now he could catch up with ex-coach Christoph Daum (68), who has already made the triple (1989 to 1990). Only Rinus Michels († 77) was better, who even won four times in a row against Borussia between 1981 and 1983.

Cologne’s sports director Christian Keller (43): “I expect a Gladbach team that has something to do well.” Certainly the last derby clap. But the league bankruptcy last weekend in Bremen (1:5) still hurts…

But what is particularly important to everyone involved: A derby without fan riots!

Keller: “It can get hot on the pitch, but not in the stands.”