The lightning escape of defense boss and vice-captain Rafael Czichos (31) to Chicago not only poses enormous problems for FC a week before the start of the second half. The process remains a mystery even for many fans.
BILD answers the most important questions about the sudden winter change and FC loss.
Is Cologne taking too much risk?
►Clear yes! Transitional sports boss Jörg Jakobs (51) himself says: “Losing a top performer and leading player in the middle of the season is not a scenario that one would wish for.” Nevertheless, Cologne let Czichos go.
This is not only dangerous in terms of sport after his 17 appearances in the first half of the season. Above all, he will be missing as a leading figure, leading player and important contact person for trainer Steffen Baumgart (49). And the second half of the season starts on Sunday in Berlin …
Why is the FC fulfilling the player’s wish?
► Licensed player boss Thomas Kessler (35): “We could have imagined extending his contract here beyond the summer. But Rafa wanted to go to the USA. The decision to give it up was an appreciation for the player. “Sounds very generous after only three years at Czichos in Cologne.
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How spontaneous was the lightning escape?
► Obviously very spontaneous. Otherwise you could have sought out Cologne’s ex-clearer Dominique Heintz (28), who always wanted to go back, but two weeks ago decided to move from Freiburg to Union. Kessler: “That was relatively spontaneous. We started talks after the first half of the season. “
Was it an emergency sale due to the corona losses?
► At least the money will have played a role, contrary to all statements made by the club’s officials. Due to the renewed ghost games, Cologne is up to its neck financially. With the Czichos transfer and the salary savings, FC makes at least around one million euros.
Who can replace czichos?
► Nobody complete! Timo Hübers (25), Luca Kilian (22) and Jorge Meré (24) will initially absorb the loss. Sava Cestic (20) has moved up from the U21, but has not been able to prevail among the professionals so far. His move in winter is still possible because the FC bosses don’t (yet) trust him to make a breakthrough. Baumgart can no longer set up a left foot as a central defender – at most, experiment with Jannes Horn (24).
Photo: Andreas Pohl-“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/jorge-mere-li–und-luca-kilian-koennten-z together-in-der-viererkette-piele-11bad53389954ccbbe7204125c7cf9b4-78715708/Bild /1.bild.jpg “/>
Jorge Meré (left) and Luca Kilian could play together in the back fourPhoto: Andreas Pohl
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Does Cologne have to add more?
► Yes! But the first problem: FC has no money. Second problem: Jakobs, Kessler and Lukas Berg are currently a rather inexperienced transitional trio who have a sporting responsibility. Third problem: winter transfers are always complicated and risky. This is another reason why Baumgart says: “We still have four weeks and keep our eyes open.”
Who will be the new vice-captain?
► Kessler: “That has not yet been discussed.” The hottest candidates for the now vacant position in the team council are Mark Uth (30) and Salih Özcan (23). It is questionable whether Baumgart needs a second vice-captain in addition to Timo Horn (28). If so – then Anthony Modeste (33) and Uth have the best cards.
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