Timo Schultz celebrates his Rose Monday premiere here

1. FC Cologne in the Rose Monday procession – the red double-decker bus has now become a tradition in the streets of the cathedral city. The FC celebrated again in 2024.

One day after 1. FC Köln’s 1-1 draw at TSG Hoffenheim, the “billy goats” had to suppress their anger. The late equalizer in stoppage time briefly dampened the mood at FC. But a day later there was a highlight off the pitch on the agenda: the Rose Monday procession.

For Baumgart’s successor Timo Schultz it was the first big appearance in the heart of the city, as he and four of his players drove through the city on the red double-decker bus of the “Billy Billy Goats”. The FC group was led by Vice President Eckhard Sauren and Managing Director Philipp Türoff.

“The mood in the streets is already like a state of emergency,” said Schultz, before the bus turned onto Severinstrasse and the madness began. “I’m really excited to be able to experience this.” He was taught some songs and terms. “But I’ll learn the rest on the train today. Luckily I have a few experts with me on the car.”

In addition to Vice President Sauren, Schultz was able to rely primarily on several native Rhinelanders. NLZ chief scout Martin Bülles, ex-professional Carsten Cullmann and the two FC players Anna Gerhardt and Laura Vogt also went along, as did women’s coach Daniel Weber. FC professional Jeff Chabot also celebrates his 26th birthday high up on the FC car.

Davie Selke, who is currently injured, was also there. “I’m excited to see what it will look like from above,” said the center forward. “Kamelle was a term I didn’t know before.” But Selke also learned quickly and was even allowed to drink alcohol. “We can drink a Kölsch, and for Jeff it’s a good way to celebrate his birthday.” The other players (Martel, Maina), however, had to hold back. After all, the game continues at home against SV Werder Bremen on Friday evening.

But the FC players who didn’t ride on the car were also able to experience the train. Many people had gathered in the FC stands at Heumarkt, shouted for Kamelle and Strüßjer, sang along and enjoyed the exuberant atmosphere. President Werner Wolf was there, as was Vice President Carsten Wettich and the rest of the coaching team. Players like Jan Thielmann, Dominique Heintz, Leart Pacarada and Steffen Tigges celebrated, as did licensed player director Thomas Kessler and former captain Jonas Hector. Hector had accepted the billy goats’ invitation, as he had done a week ago at the carnival meeting.