Poster controversy, removal, leadership conflict - Is the rescue in Cologne being postponed?
Cologne is in desperate need of victory against Heidenheim on Saturday (3:30 pm/Sky). Concurrently, Union Berlin must lose against Freiburg. Cologne must also narrow the gap between them and Berlin by four goals to qualify for the relegation playoffs. Although the fans' morale remains high, disruptive events continue to cause unrest.
Is Cologne purposely delaying their rescue?
► The most recent development: the dismissal of Justin Diehl (19). The young star was suspended from training this week because he was not present for Cologne's 3:2 win over Union Berlin. Diehl wasn't part of the squad due to performance reasons, but then attended a wedding rather than supporting his team from the stands.
It's possible that the club intended to make a statement during the rescue phase by banning him. However, one has to ask whether Diehl was not just a permanent pawn in this situation. The sports director Christian Keller (45), along with former coach Steffen Baumgart (52/now HSV), had already sidelined Diehl for the entirety of the first half of the season, as he didn't want to extend an expiring contract. Under the leadership of Timo Schultz (46), Diehl was suddenly granted permission to play again. Once his move to Stuttgart was made public, Diehl found himself barely in the lineup after his injury - now it's all over.
► Moreover, there was a confrontation with the Ultras last weekend, who published a shameful poster against Cologne.
► In addition, President Werner Wolf (67) has been embroiled in a power struggle for weeks, making one blunder after another in various interviews and refusing to resign even if relegation occurs.
Furthermore, board critic Dieter Prestin (67) has been fighting for a more prosperous FC future for months. He has created a 40-page concept and has assembled a team of accomplished supporters to aid him in his pursuit.
How much more turmoil can Cologne handle? The answer will be unveiled on Saturday in Heidenheim...
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Source: symclub.org
