Anthony Racioppi made his debut for the 1st FC Köln during the international break. The goalkeeper borrowed from England recommended for a firm obligation.
After the 1-2 defeat in the test game against third division club Verl, those responsible at 1. FC Köln criticized their team clearly. But at least two winners could be identified from the perspective of the “billy goats” last Thursday: goalkeeper Anthony Racioppi and U19 talent Justin von der Hitz.
Racioppi was borrowed in January as a replacement for Jonas Urbig, who was switched to FC Bayern Munich, from the English second division club Hull City. In the league, the 26-year-old Swiss is number two behind regular goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe, he was now allowed to debut in the friendly-and prevented an even higher bankruptcy against Verl.
“That was decent. He fended off the balls well,” praised Gerhard Struber afterwards, emphasizing: “He tried to get the players to the pace and play with them.” In addition to Racioppi, only the 18-year-old Youngster from the Hitz (for the first time with the professionals) was able to get some warm words to the FC coach: “Even little Justin did it very neatly. In my view, he once again made a talent test.” But “many other bright spots”, Struber had to find out after his team’s listless appearance, “we didn’t have”.
Especially for Racioppi, it was very important to leave a sovereign impression. His loan runs until the end of the season. If Cologne’s number one is not injured, his deputy will not receive any further missions. Thus, the Verl test for Racioppi was possibly the only chance to recommend itself for a further commitment. The FC has a purchase option for the coming summer and could secure the services of the native Geneva permanently.
While Racioppi collects arguments for a future at the Geißbockheim, a professional who left FC on loan in winter may not have a big perspective here: Rasmus Carstensen promptly secured a regular place at Lech Poznan and fights for the championship with the Polish first division team – with regard to a return to the FC, Struber expresses himself very well.
“He takes just really important steps,” says the trainer, but adds: “We have to see how we can design the summer there. A lot is open. Whether the FC is still the right platform for him – I think a little water runs down the Rhine.” In the first half of the season, Carstensen, then mind you the only trained right -back in the Cologne squad, only made it once in Struber’s starting eleven. He could finally leave the club in the coming summer.