Steffen Baumgart: Salih Özcan can become a face for 1. FC Köln

European Cup issued as a goal

Coach Steffen Baumgart believes that the new Turkish international Salih Özcan will stay with 1. FC Köln. “I firmly assume that he wants to stay here,” said Baumgart on Thursday. “Salih can become a face for Cologne and we will do everything to ensure that he stays. However, he is a big boy and will make his own decision.”

Born in Cologne, who recently opted for the national team from his parents’ country and against the German one, he is under contract with FC until 2023. Cologne would therefore have to extend Özcan in the summer or sell him in order not to lose him on a free transfer next summer. On Wednesday, the 24-year-old declared that he wanted to make a decision about his future after the end of the season. Baumgart believes that midfielder Özcan “the decision to leave Cologne would be more difficult than he thinks now. Nevertheless, there is always change in football.”

The coach’s contract also expires in the summer of 2023. “There are no concrete talks,” revealed Baumgart. “But we both know where we want to go. I don’t see any reason to be restless.” At the end of March, the 50-year-old explained that he could imagine a permanent contract: “If both sides are clear – even in the event of a separation – there is nothing to be said against it.”

Coach Steffen Baumgart wants to go to the European Cup with 1. FC Köln

Two days before the derby at Borussia Mönchengladbach (Sat., 6:30 p.m.), the coach has announced the European Cup as a new goal. “If no one opens it, I’ll open it. If we can, of course, let’s attack internationally. So, let’s call it out! Here we go! Sometimes there are new sounds. That’s the way I am. But not that we cry after the derby because it didn’t work out. We’re having a good season anyway.” Before the duel on Saturday, Cologne are one point behind a safe place for international business with five games to play.

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