1. FC Köln is almost saved and will remain in the Bundesliga. But that doesn’t mean that everything is good with achieving the season’s goal.
It was the same again on the 32nd Bundesliga matchday as it has been throughout the entire season. The 1. FC Cologne benefited once again from the weakness of the competition. Not because the billy goats took their chance at Union Berlin (2-2 after 2-0), but because St. Pauli and Wolfsburg couldn’t win, FC will stay in the Bundesliga.
The fact that this as good as rescue came about thanks to the goal difference was a prime example for the entire season. In 32 games, FC was never in a relegation zone. Six points ahead of 16th place, one would think, actually tells the story of a confident relegation for a newcomer. But the truth looks a little different.
With 32 points from 32 games, FC actually didn’t do well this season. The table curve shows: From third place after the 2nd and 3rd matchdays, things continued to go downhill. First an eight-game winless streak in the fall and winter, then another eight-game winless streak in the spring. And in the last few weeks, FC fought their way to stay in the league through minimalism (five draws in seven games) rather than through convincing victories.
Those responsible will have a lot to work through. From the coaching question (Is René Wagner really the right one?) to the squad question (Where are the biggest construction sites?) to the big transfer question (Will Said El Mala become the Billy Goats’ record transfer?), sports director Thomas Kessler and his team have to make the right decisions for the future.
The fans of 1. FC Köln will be watching all of these decisions closely. Above all, they can celebrate next Sunday in the home game against 1. FC Heidenheim. Then there should no longer be a mathematical question mark about staying in the league. And if there is one thing that is allowed in football, it is to celebrate every success as it comes. No matter how it comes about.
The bottom line was that it was clear before the season: No matter what, FC has to stay in the Bundesliga. And that’s exactly what the billy goats have achieved. The fact that objective analysis has to be carried out in the background is part of professional sport. The fact that the fans can celebrate exuberantly in the foreground is also important. Therefore, the 33rd matchday should be a successful home end to the season for FC. If possible with a convincing victory.
