Timo Horn returned to 1. FC Köln with VfL Bochum on Thursday. An unusual moment for the long-time Cologne goalkeeper.
The number of times Timo Horn has stood between the posts in the Franz Kremer Stadium in his life can hardly be counted. The goalkeeper spent his entire youth at the 1. FC Köln youth academy and played many competitive games for the U-teams on the pitch in the green belt. There are also test games with the professionals and countless training sessions.
The feeling that came over Horn on Thursday afternoon was probably rather unusual for the experienced keeper. “To be honest, I was a bit excited because it’s something special for me,” the goalkeeper told the after the friendly Expresswhich he and his VfL Bochum lost 2:3 against FC shortly before the end.
First strong saves, then a bitter goal
The reason: For the first time, Horn played against his home club, to which he had remained loyal for a total of 22 years. “It was an unusual feeling to be on the other side and playing against your old colleagues,” admitted the 31-year-old. “But I really enjoyed it, the anticipation was there. It was nice that I played, but unfortunately we lost. But it was a good test for both sides.”
Horn was between the posts in the second 45 minutes. The goalkeeper saved twice, once from a volley from Steffen Tigges and once from a header from Elias Bakatukanda. However, the Cologne native didn’t look good at the subsequent corner, so Neo Telle scored with the final whistle to give Cologne victory.
When you’ve been at a club for so long, it’s always nice to come back.
Timo horn
Despite the last-second defeat, Horn was able to laugh again afterwards. The keeper stood together on the pitch for some time with his former teammates. “Most of the faces are of course familiar,” said Horn, who left the club a year and a half ago and initially joined RB Salzburg in January 2024. “When you’ve been at a club for so long, it’s always nice to come back.”
Bochum is currently bottom of the table
Horn wishes FC all the best for the current season. The goalkeeper has signed a contract in Bochum until 2026. Accordingly, Horn hopes that both teams will see each other again in the Bundesliga next season. “So far the boys are doing well,” said Horn, summing up Cologne’s start to the season. “Here and there there are still a bit of problems when it comes to scoring and scoring goals. But they were really superior in most games and dominated the game. If you consolidate that, you can play a very good round.”
In order for FC and VfL to face each other again next year, Cologne doesn’t just have to get promoted. The Bochum team also has a big task ahead of them in terms of staying in the league. The team is currently in last place with just one point after six matchdays. “Now all that’s missing are the points. We want to get them in the next few weeks,” said Horn, who already feels “very comfortable” in Bochum – even if the Cologne player is currently only number two at VfL behind Patrick Drewes.
