Timo Schultz’s contract with 1. FC Köln only applies to the Bundesliga. However, both sides can imagine further cooperation in the event of relegation.
Cologne coach Timo Schultz feels very comfortable in the cathedral city. IMAGO/Treese
On Friday it will be exactly 100 days since Timo Schultz took over the sporting reins at 1. FC Köln. At the billy goats’ press conference for the away game on Saturday (3:30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker) at FC Bayern, the FC coach gave an initial interim assessment on Thursday.
In two parts: “In the sporting area we are somewhat on schedule, but by no means ahead of plan,” said the 46-year-old. Before the international break, Cologne used squirrel tactics and collected point after point. After the international break, the attack was to take place and the focus was on victories: “We made a good start against Bochum, but things have to continue like this,” demanded Schulz.
On a personal level, however, Schultz said his expectations were “more than exceeded”: “It’s a great club,” said Schultz enthusiastically about his start at FC. “It’s fun to be here, I’m happy and proud to be part of the club, the city and the entire community.”
It wasn’t hard to tell that Schultz feels very comfortable at FC and in Cologne. The problem: His contract only applies to the first league. But during the winter training camp in Algorfa, Spain, Schultz had already expressed his willingness to stay in the cathedral city even in the event of relegation.
And now his superiors have also sent the first signals that they do not want to make further cooperation with Schultz automatically dependent on staying in the league. “I am very satisfied with the coach’s work from various perspectives. Then the coach’s future cannot be dependent on league membership,” said FC sports director Christian Keller on Wednesday evening at a meeting Cologne City Gazette and Express organized discussion round about the FC. Licensed game manager Thomas Kessler also had words of praise on Thursday: “We are very happy with Timo’s work. He does a very good job, he works very well with the team and is a team player. I think he fits in very well here, he lives this city, he feels it.”
So will we continue together even in the event of relegation? “Basically, we plan all possible scenarios internally,” said Schultz. “That is our duty.” But his focus is on his daily work and his entire concentration is on the upcoming opponent. Because anything else would distract him from the “big common goal”. “And if we achieve that,” announced Schultz, “I think I would really, really like it here for well beyond 100 days.”
2024-04-11 14:23:18
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