Cologne U21 before a decisive duel: win against Wuppertal is a must!

Cologne U21 before a decisive duel: win against Wuppertal is a must!

On Monday evening at 7 p.m., 1. FC Köln's U21s have the opportunity to fight their way out of the bottom of the table when they host Wuppertaler SV. After a rather disappointing start to the season with four defeats from the first five games, the Cologne U21s are currently in last place - a circumstance that doesn't look very encouraging. As Come-On-FC reports, another defeat for coach Evangelos Sbonias' team could create an uncomfortable atmosphere in Cologne's Geißbockheim.

“The training of talent is a priority for us,” emphasizes Sbonias, who, despite the pressure that the results situation puts on his players’ shoulders, focuses on the development of the individual talents. The young team, which has a lower average age compared to previous years, is growing together and showing promising approaches. In the last test matches, a positive team spirit and a good reaction to deficits were observed, as Sbonias noted after a 2-1 win against TSV Steinbach Haiger. The FC reports on the importance of team chemistry for success.

Home game against Wuppertal

The duel against Wuppertal, who are in fourth-to-last place, will be particularly explosive. With a win, FC Cologne's U21s could not only collect crucial points, but also strengthen their own morale. The home game was scheduled for Monday evening as the Geißbock Cup was taking place at the same time - a good opportunity for the supporters to loudly support the team. The fan scene from Cologne will certainly provide an atmospheric backdrop, while the Wuppertal residents traveling with them can also count on their own loud supporters.

The squad situation remains tense with Gabriel Miocevic and Youssoupha Niang out due to injuries. However, a bright spot could be Yannick Mausehund, who may be able to get back on the pitch after his injury. Joao Pinto, on the other hand, sees his time at the club as over before his contract expires and can move if there is a suitable offer.

Long-term goals and talents

The U21 is an important part of talent development at 1. FC Köln and the club has a clear plan for the sporting development of its young players. The DFB talent development program supports this by pursuing the goal of giving every talent a fair chance to develop. Over 14,000 talented players are scouted and supported through bases across Germany, which shows how seriously youth work is taken in German football, as can be read on the DFB website.

Coach Sbonias knows that training is just the beginning. He has to find the balance between results and the long-term development of his players, although progress in the sport could also be crucial for his own future at the club. In the Geißbockheim, however, people remain calm and trust in the abilities of the trainer and his team. The pressure is high, but the people of Cologne are confident that they can free themselves from last place and that the coming weeks will be positive.