At 1. FC Köln, Eric Martel could again play his role in defensive midfield against Prussia Münster. The reason for this: the personnel worries are clearing.
In the last three games, Eric Martel not only brought 1. FC Köln on the field as a captain, but also jumped in central defense for the injured captain Timo Hübers. The 22-year-old did his cause as a defense chief and never allowed the conclusion that it was not his actually traditional position in the defensive midfield.
However, with his trip to the triple chain, a bitter loss on the six went hand in hand- because Martel was missing as a leader and duel-strong leader. For the upcoming game against Prussia Münster, however, the situation in the defense relaxes: Except for Neo Telle, which continues to fail due to illness, Struber is available to all central defenders again. With Julian Pauli, Dominique Heintz, Joël Schmied and Timo Hübers, the personnel offer is broad again.
There is no question that Martel will be in the starting eleven. In addition, coach Gerhard Struber also promised Youngster Pauli in the prospect of Youngster Pauli: “He has again gone a good training week and is a candidate to get started right from the start.” In the meantime, Heintz is considered a set – not only because of his experience, but also because of his leadership qualities. So Schmied could first take a seat on the bench.
Struber left open whether the defensive relaxation at the same time leads to Martel’s restoration in the midfield. “Hybrid is a good description,” he said with a view to Martel’s versatility. Born in Bavarian, “well demonstrated to commute”.
In fact, Martel is a player who can flexibly switch between the six and the defense chain- depending on the game situation. Struber praises: “He has strengths in the game structure, but can also read the game strategically. We trust him a lot in both positions. He could be important in a pendulum position.”
Not only on the defensive, however, questions are still open before the Münster game. A decision is also pending in the attack. Imad Rondic looked lucky at the recent game in Fürth, although Struber emphasized his qualities: the Bosnian “always comes to many opportunities and proves a good nose”. At the same time, the intensive pressing is “a piece of new territory” for him.
Therefore, the return of Damion Downs could come to the starting eleven – possibly together with Tim Lemperle. Both were rarely available at the same time at the same time, a joint start-up application was six months ago. Against Münster, however, Cologne’s most successful duo could come together again.
“The two are of course a consideration,” said Struber. “At the same time, we want to have a certain diversity on the pitch.” In any case, he considers the combination of both attackers to be promising: “I will only make a decision at short notice.” However, it is clear that the duo can work well.