On Sunday, 1. FC Köln will play Hertha BSC. Which players will be available by then is still uncertain – in the meantime, a trend is emerging in the battle for the place in goal.
Mindful of the current Corona situation, 1. FC Köln has intensified its testing and hygiene measures. This includes a return to close-meshed testing of everyone around the team. According to the club, the entire licensed area is currently sufficiently immunised.
Nevertheless, everyone involved underwent a PCR test on Sunday. Thomas Kessler, Head of the Licensed Players Department, commented on the subject on the club’s homepage: “We want to minimise the risks of infection as much as possible. For this reason, we have once again made the boys aware of the topic before the start of training. Just like for the general population, the same applies to us: reduce contact, keep your distance, wear masks in closed rooms. “
Pitch for the fans around the Geißbockheim: For understandable reasons, the players and coaches will not be available for photo and autograph requests until further notice.
Uth in team training – Schwäbe ahead of Horn?
Three professionals were absent at the start of training due to illness, although neither Kingsley Schindler nor Sebastian Andersson nor Mark Uth are said to have contracted the Corona virus. The club does not give any information about the nature of the illness, coach Steffen Baumgart explained: “Mark will be back on Monday, Seb and King need a bit. They are just sick.” Indeed, Uth was on the pitch on Monday working with the team.
Involved for the opener was keeper Timo Horn, who will duel fellow keeper Marvin Schwäbe for the spot in goal this week. Horn had to take the last third of the first half off due to a knee injury. Steffen Baumgart says he has already made his decision, but is keeping it to himself. There is indeed a lot to be said for Schwäbe, whose performances have been praised by the coach more than once and who – unlike his competitor who was forced to take a break – brings along match practice.
