Coach Schultz’s debut: Cologne was only convincing in one half – a draw against Heidenheim

Davie Selke’s goal is only enough for one point: In the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln lost a lead against 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday (January 13, 2024).

Selke gave Cologne the lead in the 29th minute with his fifth goal of the season. Adrian Beck, who had recently been substituted, equalized for Heidenheim in the second half (55th). It was Beck’s first Bundesliga goal – and Heidenheim’s first jokergoal in the league.

Heidenheim now has 21 points and a clear lead over the relegation places, where Cologne (11 points) remains stuck in 17th place. “It’s always fun when you take something away. Especially the way we came out after half-time, we deserved the equalizer”said Heidenheim’s coach Frank Schmidt on the ARD microphone.

Less wing play, more through the center – Cologne’s new way

Timo Schultz’s debut as coach of 1. FC Köln was a rather mixed one. Schultz was introduced in Cologne at the beginning of the year as Steffen Baumgart’s successor. In his first competitive game as a coach, he lined up his team in a 4-2-3-1, a system that his predecessor Baumgart had also chosen.

And yet, smaller differences in the approach of both trainers were clearly visible. Schultz-FC played with less risk and more calmness; they no longer carried out their attacks primarily from the wings. That had been Baumgart’s favorite pattern. Cologne now combined more often through the center.

Kainz crosses, Selke finishes – and FC cheers

But when Cologne scored a goal, it came from a cross: Florian Kainz heeled the ball past opponent Eren Dinkci, then found Selke in the penalty area. He scored from the turn, Heidenheim’s Benedikt Gimber made a slight deflection.

It was the reward for a strong phase for 1. FC Köln, who had already had good opportunities. Around the 20th minute, Heidenheim’s goalkeeper Kevin Müller guided a long-range shot from Denis Huseinbasic over the goal with his fingertips.

Heidenheim weak before the break – and yet dangerous once

Heidenheim only had one significant chance to score in the first half. It was the 35th minute when Dinkci passed a cross from Jonas Föhrenbach for Norman Theuerkauf. Theuerkauf hit the ball well on the edge of the penalty area, but he shot too centrally. Goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe made a strong save.

First Cologne is lucky, then Heidenheim celebrates

Immediately after the restart, Linton Maina could have increased the score (46′), seconds later Selke also missed. Afterwards, FC weakened and Heidenheim became stronger. When Beck equalized ten minutes after the restart, it was no longer a surprise. After a corner from Beste and a failed defense from Timo Hübers, Beck scored with a dropkick from 16 meters.

It was Heidenheim’s best phase – and the promoted team should have rewarded themselves with a second goal. Heidenheim had chances, but they couldn’t score a second goal. Even though they were very close twice: First, Tim Kleindienst shot over the goal from close range after a bad pass from Cologne’s Rasmus Carstensen (51′). Then he headed just past the goal from a few meters (68th).

Post saves Heidenheim after Müller’s mistake

In the end, the Heidenheimers almost had to start the return journey without a point. It was the 80th minute when Jan Thielmann finished from distance.

His shot wasn’t actually dangerous; it was too central and didn’t have enough power. But goalkeeper Müller still slipped Thielmann’s long-range shot through his gloves, the ball bounced off the post and from there back to Müller, who this time held on.

“When you come out here and the whole stadium is singing the anthem, that’s impressive”said Cologne’s new coach Timo Schultz after his premiere. Naturally, the result did not satisfy him: “We have to live with the 1-1 draw. We have one point more, we would have liked to have had three.”

Cologne welcomes BVB, Heidenheim against Wolfsburg

The Rhinelanders have a strong opponent in Borussia Dortmund next matchday (Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.). The Heidenheimers are in action at home against Wolfsburg.