FC Köln

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Koln will play Spanish side Valladolid tomorrow, July 28, 15.00h.

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2. Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln have achieved a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Spanish top flight side Real Valladolid.

In front of 2,811 fans in Bergisch-Gladbach Patrick Helmes and Thomas Broich were on target for Cologne.

Helmes opener

Helmes netted from the penalty spot after seven minutes, but the Spaniards hit back through Anton Alvaro (9) and Inaki Bea Jauregi to go into half-time 2-1 up.

Substitute Thomas Broich secured a draw for the "Billy Goats" when he equalised from Ümit Özat's cross.

Line-up 1. FC Köln: Mondragon - Schöneberg (65. Nickenig), McKenna, Mohamad, Özat - Antar (82. Gambino), Vucicevic (73. Andre), Matip (52. Broich) - Helmes, Novakovic (79. Scherz), Chihi (64. Ehret)

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Just imagine a new James Bond without main character Daniel Craig appearing on the screen. Or the Oktoberfest in Munich without beer being sold. What do you think would happen? Undoubtedly both the cinemas and the beer tents would be completely empty.

The situation in Cologne last night was quite similar to that described above yet the results were rather different. Lucas Podolski´s farewell match against FC Bayern München was played without the former Cologne fan´s favourite who was forced to sit out with an injury. Nevertheless the mood of the 50,000 at the sold-out RheinEnergieStadion was top-notch.

Never again division two�

Cologne´s fans celebrated the 3-1 triumph of FC Köln over record champions Bayern München with chants like "Stand up if you´re Cologne� and "Never again division two�. Milivoje Novakovic (43) and Patrick Helmes with a brace (53, 84) turned the match round after Jose Ernesto Sosa had given the Bavarian giants an early lead (3).

"I´m dreading to see us beating Bayern on July 31st�, Cologne´s coach Christoph Daum had said before the match against the winners of the PREMIERE League Cup, "because then everybody will start thinking that we´re on a par with them.�

�Let the fans cheer a bit�

Now Daum is in a fine mess. He did, however, not begrudge Cologne´s supporters their joy about the result, nor did he try to dampen the euphoria after the match. "Just let the fans celebrate a bit. The people in charge, the players and I, have to stay realistic and stick to the 24-hours rule: rejoice for a day but then start preparing for the bread and butter of the league again�, said Daum after the match.

Cologne´s playmaker Thomas Broich didn´t expect the success against Bayern to become a major problem either: "Let the fans have a party today. They know exactly how to rate this result.�

Mohamad injured

The good performance of the "Billy Goats� were slightly marred by the fact that Youssef Mohamad sustained an injury when he collided with Bayern´s Julio dos Santos and had to be substituted.

However, the injury doesn´t seem to be too serious: the medical examination showed "only� a cranial bruise which means that Muhamad will only miss training for a couple of days.

Bayern not at full strength

The defeat in the last test before their DFB Cup match at Wacker Burghausen next Monday caused in no way panic in the Bayern camp.

Six days before their first round cup match, the defeat against Cologne was of little significance for Munich who rested twelve first-team players, amongst them new signings Luca Toni, Franck Ribery and Miroslav Klose.

Test for youngsters

Michael Rensing, Julio dos Santos, Toni Kroos and Sandro Wagner all got a place in Bayern´s starting line-up. New signing Marcell Jansen started the match on the bench, as did youngsters Thomas Kraft, Stephan Fürstner, Stefano Celozzi and Viktor Bopp.

Bayern-coach Ottmar Hitzfeld therefore wasn´t too disappointed about the 3-1 defeat and remained positive after the match: "I think that our young players did well for quite a big part of the match.�

Award for�Poldi�

Lukas Podolski, who should have been the main star of the night, also enjoyed his return to his old club despite being sidelined with an injury.

The German international was presented with the medal of honour in sports of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia for which he was acknowledged with applause by the fans.

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The first competitive match of the new season for 2.Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln ends in disappointment Christoph Daum's side lose in the cup. 2:4 (2:2, 2:1) to a Werder Bremen's second team five days before the start of the new season.

Köln got off to a good start with goals from Milivoje Novakovic (13.) and Nemanja Vucicevic (24.) before Martin Harnik (38. und 56.)pulled Bremen level and extra time goals from Frank Löning (113., penalty) and Kenny Schmidt (118.) wrapped the game up. Tobias Nickenig of 1. FC Köln saw red for two bookable offences.

The four time cup winners from Cologne looked the most dangerous side in the first half and went 2:0 up. Bremen had chances of their own but had no luck as Tobias Nickenig und Adil Chihi hit the woodwork.

Bremen came more and more into the game and equalised. They had the chance to win the game in normal time but Löning (87.) couldn�t provide the finishing touch.

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"At least eight teams will compete for promotion", 1. FC Köln head coach Christoph Daum tells bundesliga.de prior to the big kick-off.

bundesliga.de: Mister Daum, why let your team slip away a 2-0 lead in the DFB Cup match at Werder Bremen reserves?

Christoph Daum: I think we were just careless. After going ahead early on we had several good chances which we didn't put away. Afterwards we were too passive, that's why Werder reserves came back into the match. We had some good chances at the end, but were knocked out due to an unfortunate penalty for handball.

bundesliga.de: How disappointing was the cup exit?

Daum: Of course we are very disappointed about it. The defeat was very, very painful because it was completely unnecessary. But I hope that it will act as a wake-up call at the right time.

bundesliga.de: Do you fear a bad mood in the team and the environment?

Daum: Naturally no one here is in a good match after such a match. It will be important how we deal with this situation. We face the topic and work concentratedly on what we have to improve.

bundesliga.de: The attack with Helmes, Novakovic and Vucicevic already works well, but the defensive problems in Bremen were the same as last season. How do you want to improve that?

Daum: We arranged the team anew. It's clear that not everything works yet. The players have to become attuned to one another. We've seen that we're not yet where we want to be in terms of fine-tuning. I think we will need four or five weeks before we're stable. Additionally we have missed a player (Youssef Mohamad, injured) who is very important in defence.

bundesliga.de: 14 of your colleagues see 1. FC Köln as promotion favourites. How do you ease the pressure on the team?

Daum: You see, prior to kick-off every coach is trying to make the other teams favourites. Many coaches mentioned Mönchengladbach or Mainz, too. Moreover pressure is nothing negative, it can also produce better performances. Most of my players are experienced enough to deal with pressure situations.

bundesliga.de: Which teams are your strongest rivals when it comes to promotion?

Daum: I think the three relegated teams, Mönchengladbach, Mainz and Aachen. Additionally teams like Munich 1860 or Kaiserslautern. This season we will see the strongest 2. Bundesliga ever. At least eight teams will compete for promotion. And there will surely be surprise teams no one reckons with now.

bundesliga.de: Which clubs could cause an upset?

Daum: First and foremost promoted Hoffenheim, they have bought very well, just like Koblenz did. They have all invested a lot and bought well. Augsburg could have a surprise in store too.

bundesliga.de: Faryd Mondragon was in goal against Bremen. Will he be your number one for the 2. Bundesliga season as well?

Daum: Yes.

bundesliga.de: What about Stefan Wessels? Is there a chance for him to win a regular place or would you advise him to leave the club?

Daum: Stefan Wessels was in England for a trial this week, at his own request. He did two training sessions at Everton and thought that he did well. Now it's up to him how things continue.

bundesliga.de: St. Pauli are your first opponent in the 2. Bundesliga - an uncomfortable opponent full of confidence after their DFB Cup win over Leverkusen. How do you motivate your players for the match at the Millerntor?

Daum: I don't need to give my players extra motivation. We have a lot to make up for after our last match. St. Pauli have beaten Leverkusen. The stadium is completely sold-out and will be a seething cauldron. These facts are enough, I won't need to say a lot more.

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The Deutscher Fussball Bund (DFB) Disciplinary Committee has banned 1. FC Köln coach Christoph Daum for two games due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

Daum will also be required to pay a 10 thousand euro fine.

Daum accepts the verdict

After FC Köln's 0:1 loss to Alemannia Aachen on August 20, Christoph Daum said in a television interview that the referees in this season and last season had knowingly made wrong decisions against his team.

The coach has already accepted the verdict, making it legally binding.

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The coach of second division Bundesliga club FC Cologne, Christoph Daum, has rejected an offer to take over the Iranian national football according to reports in Germany.

Iran have been without a coach since July 2007 and are keen to get a man in place before February 6. That is when Team Melli start qualifying for the 2010 World Cup against Syria in Tehran.

Daum was the latest name to be linked with the position.

"I have told the Iranians that I want to fulfill my duty at FC Cologne," said Daum according to the Koelner Express, pointing to his main objective to help Cologne win promotion.

The Cologne trainer added that Iran agreed to a double role for Daum, meaning he would have been able to coach both Iran and his German club.

FC Cologne manager Michael Meier indicated over the weekend that Daum won't be released from his contract.

Meier and Daum's lawyer Stefan Seitz confirmed that the Iranian Football Federation had made a bid for the Cologne coach whose contract runs through 2010.

This is the second time after 2000 that Daum has received an offer to coach Iran.

A front-runner for the coaching job of the German national football squad eight years ago, Daum was forced to abandon his dream after failing a drug test.

Daum whose coaching stints include VfB Stuttgart, Besiktas Istanbul, Bayer Leverkusen, Austria Vienna and Fenerbahce Istanbul, announced earlier that he had rejected national team coaching offers from the US, Serbia, Poland and South Africa.

According to earlier sports reports, another German coach, Peter Neururer had also been on the shortlist of the Iranian Football Federation.

Goal.com - Asia - Reports: Daum Rejects Iran

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Köln are through!

1. FC Köln have won promotion to the Bundesliga with a win over rivals Mainz.

1. FC Köln 2-0 1. FSV Mainz 05

Cologne have reached the coveted land with a win in the top clash. Mainz (two points behind third-placed Hoffenheim) still have a chance to make it next Sunday.

Roda Antar (22, 66) scored in front of 50,000 in the sold out RheinEnergie-Stadion to hand the hosts the fourth promotion to the top flight following 2000, 2003 and 2005.

Cologne extended their unbeaten run to nine matches while Mainz lost the second straight match.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Christoph Daum has committed himself to continuing in the role of head coach for 1. FC Köln's Bundesliga return in 2008-2009.

Daum announced his decision at the club's Geißbockheim training facility late on Wednesday, saying - amidst the cheers of fans present - "Now it's time to roll our sleeves up."

Aiming for Bundesliga consolidation

At the same time, the coach issued a call to arms in no uncertain terms: "Players such as Kevin Pezzoni have come through fantastically. On the other hand, it's vital that we now strengthen our squad with experienced players. We want to see Cologne established in the Bundesliga in the mid- and long-term. It's time to put an end to the 'Things have always worked out so far' mentality."

Prospects

In front of an assembly of several hundred fans, Daum went on to explain why he had decided to remain with the 'Billygoats': "We've cleared the air on all sporting and financial matters, and arrived at a workable solution. I'm delighted with the level of excitement at the club about our prospects. We've started something here that we can continue to build on in the top flight."

Meier expresses thanks

Sporting director Michael Meier said of the coach's decision, "We're grateful to him for putting the club's ambitions ahead of his own...his personal goals were and still are at a far remove from those of the club. But maybe we can still realise them together."

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Köln eye Gudjohnsen

Newly promoted Cologne are looking to sign a big star ahead of their return to the top flight of German football and it has emerged that Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen is high on their wanted list.

“We need one or two new signings that will really improve our squad” trainer Christoph Daum told ‘Express’. “We are looking at players that you are usually used to seeing in the Champions League” he added.

Icelandic striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is one of the targets Cologne have identified. Capped 50 times by his country, the 29 year old will be allowed to leave Barcelona this summer having struggled to achieve anything more than a reserve role with the Catalan giants.

Barca have already announced that they are going to radically change their squad before next season and Gudjohnsen looks to be one of the first to be sacrificed. That he is leaving is no secret, it is just a question of destination.

Daum refuses to be drawn on names however and will not comment on the link with Gudjohnsen.

“I never talk about potential transfer targets in public” he explained.

“But we have to consider the improbable and expand our transfer horizons.”

Goal.com - Germany - Cologne Eye Barca Star

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Sanou joins Cologne

Another new signing for 1. FC Köln: Wilfried Sanou joins the "Billy Goats" from 2. Bundesliga rivals SC Freiburg.

The 24 year old striker of Burkina Faso joins Cologne on a free transfer and signs a two-year contract.

Just six matches

"We are delighted to have been able to sign another international player", Cologne sporting director Michael Meier commented.

Sanou played just six matches this season after picking up a serious knee injury in Freiburg's match against Aue on matchday 8.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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1. FC Köln take on Bayern München

To prepare for the 2008/2009 season, 1. FC Köln will take on FC Bayern München in a friendly.

The match against the current champions will take place on 26 July, 2008 in their home stadium in Cologne. Kick-off time has yet to be fixed.

FC-business manager Claus Horstmann commented: "We are delighted to be able to offer our fans a summer highlight with this game against FC Bayern. For our fans and for the team, the game represents a first class preparation for the coming Bundesliga season."

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Pre-season underway at Cologne

Training has started at 1. FC Köln as the club prepare for their return to the top-flight of German football.

Coach Christoph Daum's charges took to the pitch at the Franz-Kremer-Stadion, to the applause of some 800 assembled fans - with much of the interest focussed on the club's four new signings, Pierre Wome, Wilfried Sanou, Miso Brecko and Daniel Brosinski.

Mondragon and Pezzoni missing

Two players not on show on Wednesday were goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon and defender Kevin Pezzoni. Mondragon is still in Colombia sorting out administrative affairs and will join the rest of the squad on Saturday. Pezzoni, meanwhile, is currently participating in a special course for the German U-19 team.

Those present took part in a full training session, with two more scheduled for Thursday. On Friday, the players will take the obligatory lactate test to get a snapshot of their fitness level. Saturday then sees the first friendly of the season, against a Rhein-Berg IX in Bergisch Gladbach.

Austria-bound

On Monday 30 June the team head off to Tröpolach in Kärnten. This is the third year running that Köln have based their pre-season training camp in the Austrian province.

While there, Daum's troops will play three friendlies: against Austrian champions Rapid Wien on 2 July, SK Austria Kärnten two days later and, on 8 July, Slovakian top-flight outfit MSK Zilina.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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