Christoph Daum believes 1. FC Cologne can pull off a big surprise in the derby against Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
“The momentum even speaks a little in Cologne’s favor. Bayer Leverkusen didn’t play so convincingly against Mainz and FC impressed against top team Stuttgart,” said the former FC coach and long-time Leverkusen coach (1996-2000) to the Express.
Derbies are “never a clear-cut thing”. FC, currently 16th in the table, has “a team that can stand up to many clubs,” said the 70-year-old before the duel between the Rhenish rivals on Sunday (3:30 p.m./DAZN): “Of course everything speaks in favor of Leverkusen , but if Cologne has a great day, then things can turn out differently.”
Regardless of the outcome of the derby, Daum is excited about the title race with his former club Leverkusen, with whom he lost the championship on the last matchday in 2000. “If Bayer wins the title, that would primarily mean that they are being rewarded for their excellent work. I would really appreciate that for those in charge there,” said Daum.