FC newcomer Marvin Schwänke switched from Bröndby IF as Danish champions to 1. FC Köln this season. At FC he is a challenger to Timo Horn. In an interview, the 26-year-old goalkeeper talks about his first impressions during training and the decision to go to FC.
Marvin, how has goalkeeper training been going so far with Uwe Gospodarek and Timo Horn?
“Very good, the cooperation is absolutely positive. I am happy to be here. Both the goalkeeper training and the team with Uwe Gospodarek and all the goalkeepers are great. You can definitely develop yourself further here. ”
How do you see your role on the goalkeeping team?
“Timo grew up here and has been number one for several years. I am new and a challenger to that extent. For me it’s about showing myself and performing. ”
You now train for around two and a half weeks under Steffen Baumgart. How do you experience the trainer? Here in Donaueschingen you can see every day on the training ground that there is a lot of fire in there.
“Yes, but very positive. Everything that is said on the pitch is demanding and encouraging. He’s really pushing us in the right direction. Nevertheless, he is very human off the pitch. ”
You became Danish champion with Brondby and you would have had the chance to play internationally. Why the step to Cologne to FC?
“I had a very good time in Copenhagen. I have three years for Brondby, but I really wanted to go back to Germany. Cologne is a beautiful city and FC is a great club. Here I was shown a perspective. For me it definitely meant taking this step and seizing this opportunity. The question of whether to play internationally or not did not arise for me. For me, other things apart from football had priority: We are expecting offspring in November, so you want to be closer to the family in Germany again. ”
You once referred to Brondby as a training association. What did the past three years give you in your sporting development?
“Having played as a regular goalkeeper for three years, at a good level in the Danish first division. I played over 120 games for Brondby and played almost every time. Accordingly, it was a great experience for me. With the championship last season, I also had a successful conclusion, which I am very proud and happy about. ”
Is football in Cologne a change for you? How does the goalkeeping game differ here compared to Denmark?
“In Denmark we also tried to play a little football (laughs). This is definitely more of a challenge here, in relation to the goalkeeping game, but also in general: In Denmark the game is more robust and physical. The referees whistle less, also to the goalkeeper. ”
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