Baumgart: Because of 1. FC Köln’s transfer ban, not all plans are on hold

With Access Paqarada “In Conversation”

Coach Steffen Baumgart is not considering a premature farewell after the transfer ban for 1. FC Köln by FIFA. When asked about this at the press conference on Friday, the coach first reacted with a loud laugh, then with a counter-question. “Does anyone feel like I’m not having fun here?” he asked, answering himself: “I don’t think so. Anyone who is worried about my future: The contract is running and I would like to fulfill it.” At the same time, after five games without a win and falling near the relegation zone, he declared: “First of all, I have to secure my job in terms of sport. Not that there is a situation. Everyone knows the football business.”

He is also not worried about the mental state of his players before the emotional derby on Sunday against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3.30 p.m. / DAZN). “It’s a topic. The boys can all read and now footballers are getting smarter and smarter. Even if you don’t get the impression sometimes,” he said. “But we talked about it. And in training you could see that the boys can deal with the situation normally.”

The judgment itself surprised him like everyone else, the 51-year-old admitted. “And we have to deal with that first. Everyone can imagine that I am not enthusiastic about it. The transfer talks continued. “We have lodged an appeal, are waiting to see what happens and continue to plan with newcomers. Not all plans have been put on hold. We’re trying to keep talking. And we’re already in talks with the one we have a contract with,” he said, referring to Leart Paqarada (28) from FC St. Pauli, whose future is now open again.

FIFA had sentenced the “Effzeh” on Wednesday not to be allowed to sign any players for two transfer periods. Cologne are said to have instigated the now 17-year-old striker Jaka Cuber Potocnik from Olimpija Ljubljana to breach his contract last year. The Domstädter appealed to the International Sports Court Cas.

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