1. FC Köln: Anthony Modeste proves it to critics – ready to drop wages

Before 150th game for “Effzeh”

Anthony Modeste is facing his 150th competitive game for 1. FC Köln. Only goalkeeper Timo Horn (328) and Jonas Hector (301) from the current “Effzeh” squad have more appearances. Since the captain will be out against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday due to a corona infection, Modeste will most likely lead the team onto the pitch on his anniversary.

“Both mean a lot to me because FC means a lot to me. There is always more, but 150 games is a big number for such a club. I’m happy and grateful to be able to wear this jersey, I have a special connection to FC. I would like to use this 150-game mark to say thank you for all the support from the fans and the club,” said the 33-year-old in an interview with the “express“.

The Cannes-born Frenchman has blossomed again this season, scoring 15 goals in 25 league games so far and fourth in the top-scoring table. Coach Steffen Baumgart, who came from Paderborn before the season, played a key role in this. “He has done a tremendous job here so far. We players are all glad he’s here – especially me. I’m happy to admit that because it’s just the truth,” said Modeste, who compared his relationship with the coach to that of Peter Stöger. “When the coach gives me the confidence, I’ve always scored the most goals.” Under no other football coach has the attacker scored more goals in his career than under the Austrian.

However, the legal footer does not want to rest on his laurels. “If someone had told me at the beginning of the season that I would score 15 goals, I would have signed immediately. Last season it was said that I only had regional league level – 15 goals in the Bundesliga are good. But I would also like to say out loud that I want to reach 20. I’ll do everything I can for that.” Should he reach this mark, it would be his second strongest season in the top German division after 2016/17, when he scored 25 goals.

Cologne’s Modeste on possible salary losses: “I have to worry”

Modeste’s contract in the cathedral city is valid until 2023. Most recently, he had repeatedly stated that he would like to extend the contract, but so far there has been no discussion between the parties. “If the club asks me, I’ll think about it. As I said: FC is my club, I feel good here. Even more so this season after the last few years weren’t so good because I was injured or just didn’t feel that confidence.”

He would also be willing to talk about possible financial cuts in the course of the Cologne savings plans, but with restrictions. “I have no problem talking to FC about it. But I also believe that many people would switch if a better offer came along. If you work in a supermarket and REWE pays more, you would do that too,” said Modeste, who finds this procedure “normal” and doesn’t understand “why it’s such a big problem for footballers. I’m not that young anymore – my career will soon be over. That’s why I have to think about securing my family for the future. Yes, we footballers earn a lot of money, but not forever.” According to reports, Modeste, as one of the top earners, should receive around 3.5 million euros per year.

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