Alessio Castro-Montes could take on a significantly larger role at 1. FC Köln in the second half of the season. Coach Lukas Kwasniok spoke positively about the summer newcomer before the away game at 1. FC Heidenheim (Saturday, 3:30 p.m.).
The coach explained with a wink that Castro-Montes had apparently had something in the “New Year’s Eve gala menu” that was good for him. What is crucial is that the Belgian now feels visibly more comfortable after his late move in the summer. After one or two less successful missions, he consciously decided to draw attention to himself during the training camp – with noticeably more self-confidence.
Kwasniok particularly emphasized the strength of the wingback position, which was a central argument for the commitment. The impression of the past few days: Castro-Montes seems to have “arrived”. Fluctuations are part of football, said the coach, who also presented a clear perspective: It would be desirable if the 28-year-old could become a difference player in the second series after a difficult first half of the season.
A sporting hint followed in the test against FC Lugano, when Castro-Montes played as a left-wing player in the supposed A team in the first half. After only 90 minutes of competitive play until the winter break, there are many indications that he is now a serious option for the starting eleven – at least for the Heidenheim game.
LIGAINSIDER AVERAGE GRADE in the last FOUR years
