Fan criticism did not get stuck
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Sports director Christian Keller denied in an interview to have offered his resignation again in autumn. “That’s not true. I thought I had done everything in my power in summer to go to the second division season with a good squad. Then why should I have offered my resignation? ”Said the 46-year-old in the“Picture“.
In the course of the now dismissed transfer lock because of the commitment of young striker Jaka Cuber Potocnik (19) and the Bundesliga relegation, Keller said in the summer: “I said the responsible viewing bodies weeks ago: ‘If it helps FC, you have to help me Don’t throw it out, then I just go. ‘”After the Effzeh defeat in front of a home crowd against SC Paderborn (1: 2), there had been corresponding rumors again.
At that game there had also been “cellar out” calls from the Cologne fan curve. The criticism at that time was not “stuck with the managing director, who only extended his contract a month later. I could understand the criticism. I am mainly responsible for our sporting performance, so the frustration has channeled on me. I think I am criticized in my function, not as a person. Most don’t know me personally. “
Of course, it is “not cool” to hear such calls – but in his job he had to “withstand stress. For me, my image to the outside is not as crucial as my actual action in everyday life. When I am out in the city, many people are benevolent – that was also the case in difficult phases. ”If he was criticized and specifically criticized at the training ground, he could even live well with it, said Keller. In any case, better than with anonymous messages on the Internet.
1. FC Köln’s cellar admits mistakes – winning instead of promotion
Keller admitted mistakes “since my FC start in April 2022”, but also said that he was satisfied with his decisions at the start of the season and that had not changed. Due to the transfer lock, the goal was to “keep as many players as possible – and get a new coach who suits us”. The result is despite numerous devaluations as a result of the relegation of the 62 million euros by far the highest squad value in the lower house (for statistics). The phase in autumn, when the billy goats fell back to twelve in the meantime, was not its heaviest in Cologne.
In the meantime, the team of coach Gerhard Struber has been leaders for three game days – despite the 0: 3 in Magdeburg on Friday. However, he does not want to take the word ascent in his mouth: “We want to speak with deeds, the rest then happens automatically. We will not move away from this path. ”Keller referred to the great competition, the table -ninting 1. FC Nürnberg has only six points behind. “We don’t play the league on the ground. Then why should we make great announcements? “Nevertheless, it is clear:” We want to high as soon as possible, nothing has changed. “