Steffen Baumgart didn’t fall head over heels in love with the European Cup, a lot even “got on his balls” on his international debut with 1. FC Köln – the conclusion after the bitter end was clear: “I want to experience that again, preferably with FC”, said the coach after the 2: 2 (0: 2) in the group final against OGC Nice: “I would do everything.”
A goal was missing on Thursday evening for entry into the knockout phase of the Conference League, but Baumgart said he wasn’t disappointed: “Because I’m now enthusiastic about the mentality of my team. I’m happy to work here.”
After a 0:2 break, the Cologne team came very close to the necessary win against the individually much stronger team from Nice. The course of the game matched the wild group phase with bad riots in the first leg, an away game in the Czech Republic postponed because of fog, atmospheric home performances and bitter defeats. It was “an up and down of feelings,” said Baumgart.
Baumgart sharply criticizes processes at UEFA
He was annoyed by the “meticulous” procedures and regulations of UEFA. “I have the impression that the organizer is the focus, but that’s where the teams should be,” he said.
He would still like to come back, even if international business can’t be the goal, “that’s staying up.” After the last three games in seven days, FC will have to play three more games in the Bundesliga next week. It continues on Sunday (5:30 p.m. / DAZN) at SC Freiburg.
The squad of the clammy club was dangerously thin for the multiple burdens, so Baumgart longs for the long World Cup break: “Then I’ll tick three.”