On Tuesday, 1. FC Köln invited everyone to their traditional carnival meeting in the Maritim. Meanwhile, a car full of ridicule awaits the FC on Rose Monday.
Just in time for the start of the street carnival, 1. FC Köln has found its winning genes again. The billy goats started the celebrations on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. The mood at the traditional FC meeting in the Maritim Hotel on Heumarkt was correspondingly relaxed on Tuesday evening.
The board, management and the men’s and women’s head coaches Timo Schultz and Daniel Weber came dressed as circus directors. “I’m not that far away professionally,” joked Schultz, who gave his players a day off on Wednesday.
Crazy costumes of the FC stars
While Steffen Baumgart had called out the “full throttle” order a year ago, Schultz has now clearly stepped on the brakes. “The boys should have fun, but not drink too much and be home early.” As a twist, the players were given a 10 p.m. time to go.
“We have to hold back,” said youngster Max Finkgräfe, who came in a self-made Cars costume. The other players also dressed up like every year. Marvin Schwäbe and Matthias Köbbing came as Asterix & Obelix, the Danish duo Jacob Christensen and Rasmus Carstensen went as a flight team, young professional Damion Downs came as an American police officer.
Captain Florian Kainz imitated the rapper Eminem, but the eye-catcher at his side was his heavily pregnant wife Nadine. She had dressed her baby bump as a black billiard ball with the number eight on it. The FC women and the male U21 team also appeared almost entirely and celebrated.
Schultz is happy about the top-class program
Numerous stars also came, including presenter Laura Wontorra, ZDF comedian Fabian Köster and DFB managing director Andreas Rettig. The program began at 7:48 p.m. In addition to the Höhner with the traditional FC anthem, Cat Ballou, the Klüngelköpp and Brings also performed over the course of the evening. The finale was Kasalla.
Despite the handbrake being put on for the players, it was supposed to be a liberating evening for FC. Head coach Schultz was also looking forward to his first FC carnival session. “I’ve already been told a lot. There are great bands here, half of Cologne is excited about Carnival all year long. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Pastiche car takes aim at FC
There had already been a special surprise for FC in the afternoon. This year, at the presentation of the satirical floats for the Rose Monday parade, a group is also dedicated to 1. FC Köln. In this case, the ridicule falls on sports director Christian Keller for the transfer ban and the failed squad planning.
The 45-year-old’s cardboard portrait carries one of a total of 25 satirical cars, and Keller holds Tünnes and Schäl from the Henneschen Theater in his hands. “Show canceled,” says a sign behind it. The reason: shortage of skilled workers. The “Team Kritzelköpp” and wagon builder HoHo were responsible for the “Keller” car.
The official description of the car is: “According to rumors, Christian Keller is about to sign Tünnes and Schäl from Hennes(-chen) Theater. Saturday after Saturday, FC fans can experience live where the shortage of skilled workers is leading: to the bottom of the table. If that the German economy isn’t feeling quite the same way!”