By Kai Esser
It was suspiciously quiet around 1. FC Köln in and around the Rhine metropolis.
Despite the sporting crisis with only one point and one goal from the last five games, coach Steffen Baumgart kept the “Effzeh” in almost unusually calm waters.
However, that has changed radically since Wednesday at the latest. FIFA issued a transfer ban against Cologne. Although the association announced that it wanted to appeal, this judgment could mean the absolute worst-case scenario.
1. FC Köln: Loss of sporting quality is considered safe
As of now, the Domstadters are not allowed to transfer any players in the 2023/24 season – neither in summer nor in winter.
A very hard blow for the native of Cologne and transfer expert Michael Reschke, as he did in the exclusive ran-Conversation told. “The Cologne team needs to step up to two or three positions. If transfers aren’t possible, it’s brutally tough for a club like 1. FC Köln,” said the former Bundesliga manager.
Especially since the team will almost certainly lose Ellyes Skhiri. “The situation surrounding Jonas Hector is also still unclear (contract is expiring, editor’s note), although in the current situation I can’t imagine that he’ll just go like that,” explains Reschke.
Nevertheless, one thing is certain for him: “The Cologne team will actually have to strengthen themselves in order to maintain their class in the coming season.”
1. FC Köln: double relegation after transfer ban?
But first of all, Effzeh has to keep his class this season. The lead over the first direct relegation zone has shrunk to six points. In the second half table, the Cologne team is in 16th place, in the current form table of the last five games they are even bottom.
Should the Rhinelanders actually end up in the 2nd division, then there will be significantly more departures than just the imminent Skhiri and the possible captain Hector. On the one hand, because in such a case, the people of Domstadt would have to compensate for the missing TV money by selling players.
On the other hand, the question arises as to how many of the current contracts are actually valid for the 2nd division. That was all of the last Effzeh descent to date, but is that the case now?
Either way, those responsible in Cologne would probably have to fill up the squad with young players. Although he recently shone with upstarts like Jan Thielmann or Denis Huseinbasic.
However, without the talents that have already been raised, that offspring faces a similar sporting problem. The reserve of the Cologne team is only 13th in the Regionalliga West, but they will still be deducted three points and three goals due to a mistake in substitution, so that they are in 15th place after adjustment – now there is a relegation zone.
Should the two Cologne teams end up relegated, it would result in a huge rat tail. Not only would the entire club then have significantly less money available through TV revenue, the 2nd league and premier league is also significantly less attractive for any newcomers or talents. Cologne is threatened with irreparable damage over the years.
1. FC Köln: Reschke believes in staying up – and appeals to all fans
But it won’t get that far if Michael Reschke has his way. “You have to look at the whole season’s performance: you have worked out a top starting position in the relegation battle and I am convinced that you can do it,” said the 65-year-old.
The Cologne environment should remain calm despite the tense situation. “Every fan must be aware of how problematic the overall situation of the club is. Now it’s time to stand together,” appealed the manager.
Now, of all things, the prestigious derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach is coming up. “No player will approach that with even one percent less concentration,” predicts Reschke. “You are fully focused on this game as a team.”
While the team focuses on the sport, they work diligently in the background to mitigate the penalty. exit open.
