On Sunday, 1. FC Köln against Mainz 05 has the last chance to send a sign of life in the relegation battle. Veteran Mark Uth calls for more toughness and offensive spirit.
Back on the pitch: Mark Uth was back on the pitch against Darmstadt for the first time this year. IMAGO/Herbert Bucco
At least 15 minutes were enough for Mark Uth last Saturday: The 32-year-old was an option for coach Timo Schultz for the first time after another long injury break and replaced Jacob Christensen in the 80th minute when the score was 0-1. But the veteran couldn’t do anything and instead saw his 1. FC Köln continue to spiral towards the 2nd league.
Now the billy goats have the last chance to catch up in the relegation battle on Sunday evening (5:30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker) against 1. FSV Mainz 05. Before the duel with the fifteenth place in the table, Uth spoke about…
… the mood after the 0:2 against Darmstadt: “We were all disappointed because it was a bad game for us. We thought about it for two days, but yesterday we started training with fire again.”
Perplexity about one’s own performance
… the plan on Sunday against Mainz 05: “We have to show a completely different face, be fully there from the start and be focused, because Mainz has been playing really good football in the last few weeks. We only have one chance left, we have to win this game or at least not lose it. We can be ourselves Don’t let it eat you up, you have to start the game well and accept the duels.”
… the problems in the last few weeks: “We were also fully motivated before Darmstadt and had a good week of training. It’s not like we said: Come on, Darmstadt at home, it’ll be relaxed. That’s why I can’t explain why we were in front of our own fans But we don’t bury our heads in the sand and can now get closer to the others again.”
The injured knee no longer causes any problems
…his first mission this year: “I tried to demand the ball again and do something, but of course it’s difficult to get back into it straight away after such a long time. I would also like to help against Mainz from the start, but physically it’s just not possible yet. Probably It will be enough for the final phase. The knee has healed, I feel good – but there is not enough air for such an intense game.”
The upcoming tasks in Cologne
… his role as a leader: “Against Darmstadt you could see that the fear was there. The balls weren’t being challenged as much, so we have to work on that. Self-confidence is very important, but of course we don’t have any at the moment because we’re not winning the games. That’s what I’m trying to do “We have to talk to the boys now, because just defending and throwing long balls doesn’t make any sense to me now.”
The contract ends upon relegation
… the fair approach of the professionals: “Perhaps it’s an approach to show more toughness in the duels. We don’t have to foul anyone, but through toughness we can also take the fans with us – especially at home.”
… the harmless offensive game: “When you look at the training you think there’s a different team on the pitch. We train well, play good football, but we also have to put it into practice in the stadium. That’s the art and we haven’t done that recently.”
… his contract until 2025, which does not apply to the 2nd league: “I am absolutely convinced that we will stay in it. Then we don’t even need to talk about it. I don’t have a contract for the 2nd league, which means it’s expiring. So I can’t fulfill it if we get relegated, what We don’t do that.”
2024-04-24 13:05:00
#Uth #Colognes #crisis #Fear #part
