Die Geißböcke finish year with 1-1 draw to Bochum

Die Geißböcke moved to the planning stage of next year following a season ending 1-1 draw against Bochum at RheinEnergie Stadion. With thirty-nine points, Köln finished only a point behind Christoph Daum's goal and can not look forward to Lukas Podolski's return home.

Köln was once again without Milivoje Novakovič and Faryd Mondragón in the starting eleven with Adil Chihi and Thomas Kessler standing-in for the veterans. The visitors took the lead eighteen minutes in as Matias Concha sent a long diagonal cross from the right into the box that Diego Klimowicz got between Mišo Brečko and Pedro Geromel to head in. Köln was gifted the equalizing goal as Chihi's corner from the right skipped into the box and was inadvertently headed into his own goal by Antar Yahia. Throughout the remainder of the match, Christoph Daum's side had the majority of the scoring chances although the intensity level was definitely low and the match ended as a draw.

With the season complete, the countdown has went into high gear as our captain is coming home!

Die Geißböcke play spoiler, defeating Hamburg 1-0

Die Geißböcke took a step closer to Cheftrainer Christoph Daum's goals of forty points with a 1-0 defeat of Hamburg at Volksparkstadion. The victory simultaneously brings the two match slide to an end but also stakes Köln's claim as the "spoiler" as result casts HSV's once brilliant season on the verge of disaster as they have now slipped from a spot in European football.

Once again Thomas Kessler was handled the goalkeeping duties with Faryd Mondragon out but Köln was further challenged without top-scorer Milivoje Novakovič, Pierre Wome and Youssef Mohamad. Surprising because of the poor quality defending Köln scored the only goal of the day nine minutes in as Kessler's long ball down the middle was left unchallenged and after bouncing Fabrice Ehret held off Collin Benjamin for the ball and fired the ball in from twelve metres. How this evaded attention of both Guy Demel and Joris Mathijsen was surprising however the key fundamental error of proved to be the catalyst of Köln's goal. For the balance of the match HSV were unable to press into the final third and picture perfect defending of Köln didn't allow a single notable attempt challenge Thomas Kessler's day.

Next Saturday RheinEnergieStadion will be the setting for the final match of the year as Köln welcomes Bochum.

Köln's slides continues losing 2-1 to Hertha Berlin

Köln's late season slide continued with a 2-1 loss to Hertha Berlin at RheinEnergieStadion.

Facing a series of absences Christoph Daum had five changes to his starting lineup with Thomas Kessler, Kevin McKenna, Petit, Derek Boateng and Manasseh Ishiaku being added. Although Köln showed early attacking initiatives, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock three minutes before the hour as Crvena Zvezda product Marko Pantelić charged down the left flank before turning the ball back from the byline for Cícero to turn in from seven metres. Fortune brought a bad bounce for Köln as seven minutes after the restart Patrick Ebert's effort from thirty metres careened off Pedro Geromel into the into the net over 'keeper Thomas Kessler in the longest of long-shots. Die Geißböcke added a consolation goal as time ran out as Adil Chihi, who had come into the match with eight minutes early for Mišo Brečko, added his first goal in the Bundesliga to bring the match to its final 2-1 score.

Die Geißböcke falls 2-0 to Hoffenheim

After last weeks victory over Bremen, Köln lost 2-0 to Hoffenheim in one of the least enthusiastic performances of the spring. With three remaining matches Christoph Daum will need to spark his side over the month will play out like a series of friendlies.

Coming into the match Hoffenheim were in the midst of long win-less run. Despite these problems, Köln laid back in a conservative approach with Milivoje Novakovič and Nemanja Vučićević virtually out of the match. Comfortable with that approach the match was void of highlights till two minutes for the hour when Hoffenheim's Sejad Salihović drove free-kick in from twenty-five metres to make it 1-0. Ten minutes later it was 2-0 as Demba Ba hit the back of the net from just outside the area. Down by two goals, Taner Yalçın, Adil Chihi and Kevin McKenna came into the match but still Köln lacked the fire to get back in to the match.

Köln breaks losing streak with win over Bremen

Die Geißböcke cruised closer to Christoph Daum forty-point target with a 1-0 victory over Bremen at RheinEnergieStadion. The results ends a four match losing streak as Köln heads into the final four match-days of the year, including Saturdays showdown with last years fellow promotion winners Hoffenheim.

For the match Christoph Daum made a series of changes with Nemanja Vučićević, Kevin McKenna, Wilfried Sanou and Marvin Matip into the starting eleven. The match was clearly not of the highest level as Bremen was dealing with a Diego, Torsten Frings, Diego, Hugo Almeida and Mesut Özil out of the lineup in lieu of their playing demands in the UEFA Cup. After a few respectable chances by the visiting Bremen-side, Köln was able to slow down their advances and virtually leave Faryd Mondragón undisturbed for the balance of the day. After a missed chance after the break Köln scored the winning goal at the sixty-first minute as Nemanja Vučićević’s cross was redirected in by Milivoje Novakovič from close range. Although future scoring chances by Köln came up short, Bremen made no threatening advances and match ended at 1-0 for the home side.

Geißböcke lose to Hannover

Die Geißböcke difficult run in the Rückrunde continued losing 2-1 to Hannover. The loss, their fourth in a row, leaves Köln eleventh in the table with five weeks remaining. While on the surface relegation concerns might seem out of the question with remaining matches against in-form Bremen, Hertha and HSV Christoph Daum's side will need to fight out some tough points to avoid a late season catastrophe.

Köln started the match very positively and without Robert Enke leading Hannover the course of the day could have been much different. Tactical plans took a significant turn nineteen minutes in as against the general flow of play Christian Schulz sent a long diagonal cross to a spot with Leon Andreasen showing incredible touch to volley softly in. If not enough to shelve Christoph Daum's plans, twelve minutes later Arnold Bruggink sent Andreasen in alone on Faryd Mondragón and in quickly made it 2-0. Right after the break Nemanja Vučićević created the needed goal as his crossed as nodded in by Milivoje Novakovič. The goal ignited Köln, primarily through the work of Vučićević but they could not find the equalizer and lost 2-1.

Koln welcomes Bremen to RheinEnergieStadion next Sunday in need to points. Per the Hannover performance Nemanja Vučićević who went through some rough spots this year should return to the starting eleven.

Köln lose in Dortmund 3-1

Christoph Daum's goal of forty points will have to wait another day as Köln lost in Dortmund 3-1 on Saturday.

The match started well for die Geißböcke as they were clearly the aggressor. After an early attempt by Milivoje Novakovič was saved Köln took the lead ten minutes in as Fabrice Ehret moved into the area before side-footing the ball back to Nemanja Vučićević for a perfect finish to the far corner from fourteen metres. However after the goal the momentum slowly tipped in Dortmund's favour and at times Faryd Mondragón's goal seemed a shooting gallery target. The match was level at the twenty-ninth minute of a poor set-piece defending as Serbian international Neven Subotić broke free off his mark as sent nodded in Alexander Frei’s corner. Dortmund took the lead just before the fiftieth minute as Tamás Hajnal unleashed a powerful volley from outside the box after Mišo Brečko's clearance of Alexander Frei's cross came directly to him. Dortmund's defending were now in-charge of the match as they wouldn't allow Köln a decent opportunity to level. Finally with nine minutes left in the match any chance for points ended as Pedro Geromel scored a own-goal via a cross from Swiss international Frei that looked to be heading wide.

Köln welcomes Stuttgart to RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday as they enter the final seven weeks of the season.

Bittere Derby

Geißböcke supporters were handed another bitter derby loss as they fell 2-0 to Leverkusen. The loss leaves Köln mid-table and while ahead of Christoph Daum's goals, they face difficult matches against Dortmund and Stuttgart over the next two weeks.

Without fail the match was tightly played and in the first forty-five minutes neither side had a significant attempt. If an when Leverkusen was able to launch a prospective effort Köln ‘keeper Faryd Mondragón was able to deal with it perfectly. After an extended period were both squads were limited in the final third Leverkusen broke through six minutes past the hour when what looked to be a harmless run of play exploded for a goal. A ball into the box for Simon Rolfes was played off to just as he met a challenge, to Stefan Kießling, who then scored to the opposite top corner from seven metres out. Needing extra attackers Herr Daum called Nemanja Vučićević and Adil Chihi into the match with under twenty minutes remaining but at the seventy-sixth minute Pedro Geromel was adjudged to bringing down Stefan Kießling and the spot was pointed to with Patrick Helmes converting. Geißböcke was unable to find a way back following the second goal and lost 2-0. It was a tough ending to the match because excluding the single run of play goal, Köln had worked their tactical plan perfectly.

Leverkusen in der Rückrunde nicht so stark

Derby day has arrived for Köln as Leverkusen visits. Trainer Christoph Daum's job is nearly done as he has Geißböcke in perfect position for next years Bundesliga climb as Poldi arrives.

Long before that is another matter of our "assisting" Leverkusen with its continued fall since the start of the Rückrunde. Once hopeful of winning a European spot they are now within striking place of Die Geißböcke and need to be put in their rightful place.

Köln's only absences are Marvin Matip, Pierre Wome and Manasseh Ishiaku but they will need to careful of a highly motivated Leverkusen side trying to salvage anything from the year. "Atitude" is everything for this as Herr Daum said and rest assured nothing will be spared in this war.

Sieg in Cottbus

Putting last weeks loss to 'Gladbach in the Rheinische Derby behind them, die Geißböcke responded with an important 2-0 victory in Cottbus.

From last weeks starting eleven Christoph Daum brought in Kevin McKenna und Sergiu Raduauf for Nemanja Vučićević und Wilfried Sanou to face die Lausitzer. Köln went cautiously forward feeling out the tactical play of their opponents who showed more aggression early on. In the final fifteen minutes of the opening half Faryd Mondragón did well to hold off Energie and the match went to the break scoreless. The start of the second half went perfectly as only six minutes in Milivoje Novakovič found the back of the net as he sent a rebound for Petit's drive to make it 1-0. Only five minutes later Der Cottbuser Çağdaş Atan was called for a questionable penalty and the referee Dr. Felix Brych pointed to the spot. Milivoje Novakovič easily converted and Köln had a 2-0 lead. For the balance of the match Cottbus surged forward with Timo Rost and Dimitar Rangelov coming close but once again, each was denied in route to a 2-0 victory.

The importance of the victory cannot be understated as it provides ample space from relegation. While many had doubted Geißböcke survival, this once and all should establish that the next climb isn't for "safety" but for the top half of the table.

Photo Credit:1. Fußball Club Köln

Rheinische Derby ends in defeat

The Rheinische derby against Borussia Mönchengladbach ended in a 4-2 defeat for die Geißböcke. It was the second consecutive loss for Christoph Daum and an unsettling trend after such a great start to the Rückrunde.

The match in many ways was Borussia’s from start to finish as they opened the scoring five minutes before the half hour as Marko Marin provided Michael Bradley to change the finish. Before the half Alexander Baumjohann was the creator for Karim Matmour goal and Köln faced a hurdle they couldn’t climb out of. Herr Daum adjusted at the half with Sergiu Radu and Manasseh Ishiaku and four minutes after the hour Miso Brecko brought the match within one. Yet three minutes later Rob Friend returned Borussia’s two goal margin. Fighting desperately for points Miso Brecko scored from fifteen metres with eight minutes left however that was as close as it would get Michael Bradley scored from the spot after Gal Alberman was brought down in the area by Kevin Pezzoni.

Disappointing yes but now die Geißböcke must turn to Cottbus on the weekend.

Rückschlag

Die Geißböcke suffered a difficult to digest 1-0 loss to Schalke in Gelsenkirchen Friday evening. While it is a hard to pinpoint fault in the match Köln had ample opportunities to come out with a draw, if not a win and will rue poor finishing.

With Youssef Mohamad back in for Kevin McKenna die Geißböcke were showing quality defending in the early stages of the match. However less than a quarter of the hour in though the tide had turned and Schalke was commanding the run of play. Heiko Westermann's athleticism was creating a series of problems and once the home side started to play wider, Köln's defense opened up. Schalke's first chance came as Jefferson Farfán's free kick into the box was headed back by Westermann to Ivan Rakitić but Marvin Matip got in front of a high risk chance. Six minutes before the half hour Milivoje Novakovič struck a text-book free kick from thirty metres around the wall but it trailed off just too much to the left. The missed opportunity cost dearly as a few minutes later Schalke grabbed the lead taking advantage of a long channel attack. After Kevin Kurányi chased down a long ball, he provided the ball to Vicente Sánchez in the box. Sending a back heel to Ivan Rakitić, who then laid the ball back to Jermaine Jones the score was quickly 1-0 as the German international fired into the net. Coming back quickly Petit's speculative effort stung Schalke 'keeper Manuel Neuer's mitts but couldn't find the needed mark. As the half wound down Faryd Mondragón saved Kurányi drive from the six yard box and while the rebound banged off the striker in, it was called back as a hand ball.

After the restart the situation changed considerably and Schalke no longer dictated play. In the first ten minutes Petit continued to create problems and five minutes in can close as his free kick was just sent off-course by Milivoje Novakovič. On the hour die Geißböcke should have leveled the match when Petit's free kick was flicked the back post by Novakovič and from a metre out Youssef Mohamad forgot fundamentals and missed the ball. Needing attacking vision Christoph Daum sent for Taner Yalcin three minutes past the hour and only four minutes later Fabrice Ehret's through ball to Milivoje Novakovič was saved with last minute work by Vicente Sánchez. Entering the match in the final stages, Kevin McKenna and Manasseh Ishiaku went looking for the equalizer and two minutes into added time Youssef Mohamad had another chance but again he couldn't find the net as the sixth match unbeaten string ended with a 1-0 loss.

Geißböcke prey upon Schalke's troubles

It wasn't too long ago that naysayers talked of Köln's chances of being relegated as likely. Sitting mid of the table, die Geißböcke are unbeaten in the Rückrunde and the "critics" have disappeared as Christoph Daum has the team playing well-disciplined Football, with an ever increasing confidence.

Following the victory over Bayern München, the club responded with a strong performance against Arminia Bielefeld in which they dominated play but were simply unable to finish. Facing Schalke in Gelsenkirchen, Christoph Daum knows the intangible side of die Königsblauen as following their mid-week loss in the DFB-Pokal they will be anxious to win in front of their home fans and stem the general revolt.

Milivoje Novakovič returns and Herr Daum specifically singled out the service of Marvin Matip and Fabrice Ehret, who continued their superb work last week with a great week of practice. Stressing shape and disciplined defending Christoph Daum is very aware of Schalke's potential and extra motivation for the match.

Photo Source: FC Köln(Herbert Bucco)

Geißböcke disappoint with draw

The surge of last weeks 2-1 victory over Bayern München came to a bitter halt as die Geißböcke played a stubborn Arminia Bielefeld to a 1-1 draw. While talk of "dominating" a match mean little when it concludes level, the result is highly frustrating to Herr Daum as Köln should have come out with three points in this match.

After controlling the run of play die Geißböcke opened the scoring at the fifteenth minute when Marvin Matip sent a stunning long pass down the left channel to Fabrice Ehret, who then sent a perfectly placed cross for Portuguese international Petit to powerfully head in from just beyond the spot. The lust for goals continued with Fabrice Ehret's free-kick denied by Arminen 'keeper Dennis Eilhoff midway of the half and Nemanja Vučićević's woeful finishing resulted in a round of missed opportunities starting at the half hour mark. With three minutes remaining before the break, Michael Frontzeck's side made die Geißböcke pay for their wastage as a defensive miscue by Mišo Brečko played the ball to Chris Katongo who drove a curling ball into the net to bring the match level.

At the restart Köln's attacking problems skyrocketed as Milivoje Novakovič was lost to an injury and the hosts were easily controlled going forward by a well disciplined Arminen side. Herr Frontzeck's teaches a classic model of shape and form and not shy of grinding out tough draws and this is precisely what they did as the match concluded to a frustrating 1-1 draw. However die Geißböcke did have their chances with Nemanja Vučićević missing chance after chance, including one from inside the six yard box with less than five minutes remaining.

Christoph Daum urges Geißböcke to stay grounded

Following last weeks 2-1 victory over Bayern München, Köln coach Christoph Daum is urging die Geißböcke to stay focused. Demanding a realistic vision towards the year, he emphasized the need for steady play against Arminia Bielefeld. Calling the win over a the Bavarian's a "highlight", he added, "we cannot either over-rate it or use it to measure ourselves."

Concern over Arminia Bielefeld is warranted as they come out fighting since the start of the Rückrunde, upsetting Werder Bremen as well as holding top tier clubs Dortmund and Hertha BSC to draws. Christoph Daum called them one of the best teams in the league since the restart and will focus upon disciplined and patient play.

Pierre Wome and Ümit Özat are still out for die Geißböcke. Arminen will miss Rüdiger Kauf to suspension but also dealing with late decisions on goalkeepers Rowen Fernández and Dennis Eilhoff.

Geißböcke win in München

Confident of winning points today, coach Christoph Daum delievered the goods as die Geißböcke defeated Bayern München today 2-1.

With Kevin McKenna in for Youssef Mohamad and Daniel Brosinski making his first Bundesliga appearance, Köln were ready for the Bavarians. Throughout the match, Bayern controlled the ball but could not break through the compact defending in the final third. However at the mid point of the opening half Nemanja Vučićević took advantage of the Mark van Bommel and provided Fabrice Ehret, who finished with a perfect chip over the Bavarian 'keeper. Ten minutes before the break the Serbian international, Vučićević, provided for the next goal as well as he played the ball to Daniel Brosinski for the finish. Down by two, Bayern maintained ball possession but only until the later stages of the match were able to threaten. From the hour mark Zé Roberto, Franck Ribery and Miroslav Klose each tried to bring one back but
goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón was up to the task. Finally with six minutes remaining Bayern broke through with Hamit Altintop's cross being headed in by Daniel van Buyten but it was not enough as Köln won 2-1 in Christoph Daum 150th match in-charge of the club.

Geißböcke to München

With draws in each of the three matches of the Rückrunde die Geißböcke venture to München with the utmost challenge of Bayern on Saturday afternoon. The results while not awe-inspiring have put the club on good course and established a firm base for next season with the early concerns of relegation in the past.

Prior to the match Christoph Daum noted his pleasure of weeks preparation and suggested that Köln will play more forward than they have in recent matches with, as he said, "We have a realistic (sense of) optimism", and "it is not impossible to get something from the game." Without a doubt, Herr Daum is aggressively looking for points tomorrow afternoon and taking nothing for granted.

For the match die Geißböcke will be without Youssef Mohamad as he is suspended with a buildup of yellow-cards and will have his defending spot served by Kevin McKenna. Both Pierre Wome and Adil Chihi continue to be miss due to injury. With the stated attacking intent, the key from Köln's perspective will be directed at Milivoje Novakovič, Sergiu Radu and Nemanja Vučićević.

The Bavarians are coming off a 2-1 loss to Herlin BSC and while anxious to make a run for the top spot are likely to adjust their lineup as they play Sporting next Wednesday in the Champion League. Luca Toni is doubtful and Poldi is most likely to play against his future teammates.

KSC pushes for draw

Confident from their victory last week over Hamburg, Karlsruher SC arrived in Köln focused on defeating die Geißböcke. However after ninety hard fought minutes the match ended without a score.

Köln started the match as the aggressor with Milivoje Novakovič heading Nemanja Vučićević's cross wide seven minutes in but quickly KSC gained its footing and asserted itself. By the twentieth minute, Köln was on their heels and trying to hold back the determined visitors. Both Sergiu Radu and Milivoje Novakovič had opportunities to break the deadlock before the break but each effort was off target.

Then minutes after the break Fabrice Ehret's cross found Milivoje Novakovič but his header flew over the bar. On the hour, Köln was lucky when KSC's Christian Timm close range went off the post. The hosts almost snatched a winner in the 75th minute but Karlsruhe goalkeeper, Markus Miller did well to catch Miso Brecko's 14-yard effort. Die Geißböcke had a number of opportunities through the eightieth minute including Miso Brecko's chance from in from box but again they drifted wide. KSC pressured late but Faryd Mondragón came up big and saved the draw.

must win for Geißböcke

The abbreviated week for die Geißböcke has been peculiar as much of the attention has been diverted towards Roda Antar, who walked out on the club on Wednesday. While he has yet to comment on his disagreement with Christoph Daum his falling out of the lineup is obviously at the crux of the matter.

The matter does not appear to be heading towards a good conclusion as when asked FC Köln sporting director Michael Meier said:

"Christoph Daum and I had a lengthy discussion with Roda Antar and his advisor yesterday, during which we again made it clear that 1. FC Köln needs him. We let Roda know that, if he gives it his all, he's an important player for us. We gave him two choices; either he commits himself fully to the team, or he turns his back on it. The fact that he didn't come to training today clearly means he has taken the latter option. With an important game against Karlsruhe coming up, it's essential to be fully focussed on that, rather than on the interests of an individual player."

Of his the players decision to leave the club when asked if it was regrettable, he added:

"Yes, I find it a great pity that Roda has chosen to take this route. We've tried to build every possible bridge for him here. The coach has given him his support and put him in the team time and again, and stuck by him through some difficult times. But Roda's still unhappy. I think it's unfortunate Roda's taken this decision because in going public with his desire for a move, he has had a negative impact on the mood within the team at what is a crucial phase in the club's battle to stay in the Bundesliga."

For Saturday's match, Köln needs to expect an intense performance from Karlsruher SC, who shocked Hamburger SV last week 3-2. Fighting to avoid relegation KSC is rarely an easy match and you can be assured this will be a hard tackling match. KSC will be missing Marco Engelhardt who was shown a red card last week and Joshua Kennedy who is off on international duty for Australia.

Christoph Daum's only absence beside Roda Antar is Pierre Wome. Last week Milivoje Novakovič detonated Eintracht Frankfurt paired with either Manasseh Ishiaku or Sergiu Radu.

Milivoje Novakovič leads Köln back for draw

Die Geißböcke goals of a upper table finish were helped with a come from behind 2-2 draw to Eintracht Frankfurt. Led by Milivoje Novakovič two send half goals Köln is now only two points behind Werder who lost to Schalke 04.

With Milivoje Novakovič and Pedro Geromel back in the starting eleven, hopes were high in Frankfurt however home side were winning the challenges. Nikos Liberopoulos and Martin Fenin threatened early but three minutes past the half hour a defending collapse on a set piece resulted in Markus Steinhöfer’s effort headed in by Marco Russ. Christoph Daum’s words at the break seemed to work as die Geißböcke were invigorated in the final forty-five minutes. Petit and Novakovič came close seven minutes after the restart but at the fifty-seventh minute the Slovenian international Novakovič found the touch. Coming off a fast break, Mišo Brečko lead Milivoje Novakovič through with him finishing from twelve meters. However Frankfurt was intent on the three points and only five minutes later Martin Fenin struck in Markus Steinhöfer’s cross from fifteen meters. However with seventeen minutes remaining Frankfurt’s Chris hasty challenge of Sergiu Radu in the box drew a straight red and Köln had its chance to level the match from the spot. Milivoje Novakovič strode up and confidently gave die Geißböcke the much needed draw.

Very clearly this match showed the fighting spirit needed to play in the upper tier. Once the club is fully-fit and has Pierre Wome as well as the very promising Taner Yalcin available they can challenge the best. Hopefully those nonsensical comments of Köln being relegated will disappear like the fools who write it.