FC Köln’s official press convention, shared on the membership’s official YouTube channel, offers a transparent image of the staff’s mindset forward of their away match in opposition to St. Pauli. Head coach René Wagner spoke brazenly about preparation, confidence, and the significance of the following sport.
Wagner started by confirming that solely long-term accidents are preserving gamers out, which leaves the squad in a robust place going into this necessary fixture. He additionally spoke in regards to the influence of the current win over Bremen, explaining the way it has helped the staff mentally.
To start with, we now have three extra factors. That has naturally given the staff a little bit of self-confidence. I discovered the 2 weeks earlier than that have been already with the required focus and the required ease. Subsequently, it definitely didn’t damage, however quite helped. However I can’t see a giant distinction there now; quite the opposite, the boys appear a bit extra targeted as a result of they merely know that we now have an enormous alternative at St. Pauli and we need to take it collectively.
The message is straightforward. The staff is extra assured, however nonetheless totally targeted on the duty forward. Köln know that each level issues at this stage of the season.
Reflecting on earlier challenges, the squad has already seen how robust top-level soccer might be. Within the cup, Harry Kane performed a key position as Bayern Munich produced a robust comeback win within the DFB-Pokal. That have stays a reminder of the extent required.
Waiting for St. Pauli, Wagner made it clear that there isn’t any room for distraction.
We’re solely trying on the sport in opposition to St. Pauli and usually are not worrying about what would possibly occur afterwards. We need to win the sport, and afterwards, we’ll know the way it could really feel if we gained. In fact, that may be nice for us, however we have now a troublesome opponent and a troublesome away sport. We’re removed from saying we’re simply going there to take it as only one sport as a result of we have now a number of extra after that. We all know precisely that this is a vital sport for us and we need to acquire three factors there. If we acquire the three factors, then the desk will look significantly better than it does now.
He additionally pointed to what labored properly within the final match and what should proceed.
I’m joyful that the boys rewarded themselves and that we had plenty of personnel within the field. We have been rewarded straight with the primary motion with a penalty for us, and we should proceed to construct on that. I believe it was a theme for the final three weeks that we need to settle extra within the opponent’s half. We managed that with another participant, however the purpose is to do it in 11 in opposition to 11. These are issues we’re taking with us to Hamburg. The substitutes should at all times carry power, and the boys who begin will need to have the power on the pitch from the start. That’s the solely method for us.
Throughout the sport, robust particular person performances proceed to make the distinction. Michael Olise lately stood out in a significant conflict involving Actual Madrid, displaying how decisive moments usually come from gamers prepared to step up.
Wagner additionally praised the expansion of gamers like Isak and Stated, declaring their focus and willingness to enhance. He desires them to remain versatile, work onerous, and take duty when probabilities come.
Softfootball believes the temper round Köln feels actual and grounded. There may be perception within the squad, but additionally an understanding that nothing has been achieved but.
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With robust assist anticipated in Hamburg, Köln head into the match figuring out it’s a large alternative. The main target now’s easy. Keep disciplined, take probabilities, and struggle for the factors.
