After a transfer ban, relegation and a bumpy start to the season, the team of new coach Gerhard Struber needed exactly this feeling of success. “It was really important for us to win a game. We had already dominated the previous games for long stretches, but didn’t get enough out of it,” said FC managing director Christian Keller.
Next Sunday against Schalke
“Today was only the first step, but of course we know that this city and this club can ride a wave that is successful. We have a difficult game at Schalke next week. We want to play that successfully,” said left-back Leat Paqarada after the big win, to which the outstanding Dejan Ljubicic (34th/61st), who returned to the team after injury, contributed two goals, as did Tim Lemperle (58th) and Luca Waldschmidt (88th) one goal each.
“We left our hearts on the pitch today. We can really enjoy it tonight, but we have to keep going. We want to get into the flow and work our way into the season bit by bit,” explained defense chief Hübers after the gala performance by Cologne, who were also enthusiastically celebrated by their audience in the pouring rain. “It’s really fun to play here. And if we get into such a frenzy, then it’s really great for the whole club,” said goalscorer Lemperle.
Making a virtue out of necessity
Lemperle is a good example of the new virtue that was born out of necessity due to the transfer ban imposed by the world association FIFA until the end of the year. The FC goalscorer is one of five professionals, along with Jonas Urbig, Jan Thielmann, Damion Downs and Mathias Olesen, who played in the FC youth team and were on the pitch on Saturday. Struber was impressed by the 22-year-old’s performance. “Mr. Lemperle invested a lot in the game. I’m happy for him that he was rewarded with the goal. He showed what he’s capable of,” said the Cologne head coach.
It remains to be seen whether Ljubicic will stay with the Rhinelanders or move this week. There is said to be a lucrative offer from English second division club Leeds United. Keller doesn’t want to hear anything about it. “It’s normal that there are rumors at the end of a transfer phase,” said the FC managing director.
Coach Struber was satisfied.Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
With five goals, the Cologne team was unstoppable.Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
