Ondrej Duda’s current role at 1. FC Köln is that of a learner. And the noble technician, last season’s top scorer and one of the guarantors of non-relegation, has internalised this.
If his coach wasn’t Steffen Baumgart, Ondrej Duda would probably have been declared the “problem child” in Cologne early on in the season.
But because Baumgart talks a lot with the professionals in particular, who reveal problems in bringing the required style of play onto the pitch, the Slovakian is a player who sometimes more, sometimes less fulfils the role he is meant to play, but always gets the trust. And has to work hard accordingly.
Duda: “It’s up to me now “
His current role is that of a learner. And the noble technician, last season’s top scorer and one of the guarantors of non-relegation, has internalised this: “It’s not about Steffen Baumgart showing me how to play football, but how to behave better situationally so that we create more chances and score goals,” knows the Slovakian international, who realistically assesses the situation as follows: “It’s now up to me to implement his advice and guidelines. It’s a process that takes time. I will work on it and hope that the coach is happy with me.” He also knows what happens if the development doesn’t happen: “If he doesn’t like it, I won’t play.”
So Duda has internalised what is required. And he is also aware of the fact that this even suits him: “We play more offensively. It makes it easier for a striker or an attacking midfielder to create chances.” This has also been shown in the past games, whether against Leipzig or Frankfurt, “there were phases where we could have scored more goals. “
Duda should play to his strategic abilities
Duda knows what he is talking about, he himself had the winning goal against RB in the last second, but chose the wrong solution and missed. However, the coach does not blame him for this action. Baumgart is more interested in Duda getting involved in direct play, switching more quickly with fewer contacts, playing to his strategic abilities and showing more aggression in his run-up. Baumgart said of his player at the beginning of September: “It’s simply a matter of little things that I see a little differently in him. We work on that every day, not only on the pitch but also in talks. He’s part of the squad and he should play an important role this season. “
