Posters everywhere in the cathedral city: The fans of 1. FC Köln are setting an example before the derby weeks against Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The fans of 1. FC Köln are committed to the fight to stay in the league. No negative comments, no hostility, hardly any whistles: despite the disappointing sporting season, the supporters are behind their club.
The efforts of the active fan scene also have a motto. Since the beginning of the year, a banner has accompanied every 1. FC Köln game. It says: “FC jeff Jas. He’s not resigned.” The line from the BAP song of the same name represents the billy goats and the hope of still remaining in the Bundesliga.
FC wants to bring down Bayer
Since Thursday morning, this line can be read everywhere in the city of Cologne. Apparently overnight, countless posters were put up in red with exactly this message in white letters and a white billy goat coat of arms. Advertising pillars were pasted over as were smaller billboards, and the message can now also be read by everyone on power boxes.
Three days before the clash with Bayer Leverkusen, the FC professionals are reminded of the support of the fans everywhere. Because the supporters not only want a win on Sunday against their rivals from Bayer-Kreuz, but also the first defeat of the season for the league leaders. The billy goats would be only too happy to spit in the soup of their previously unbeaten competitors in the fight for the German championship and at the same time provide an exclamation mark in the relegation battle.
Two derbies in six days
In the weeks before, the FC fans had repeatedly come up with special promotions. Before the first game under coach Timo Schultz, over 1,000 fans came to the final training session. A week later, the Ultras welcomed the team bus in front of the stadium before the game against Borussia Dortmund with chants and fireworks. Another week later, thousands of FC supporters traveled to Wolfsburg wearing red. And against Bremen the south curve had seen great choreography.
Meanwhile, the posters herald the start of the derby weeks. Because just six days after the home game against Leverkusen, the billy goats travel to the away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The FC fans want six points in six days. A difficult undertaking, and yet two victories would be of great importance in the fight for salvation. The players are at least assured of help from the fans.