Köln were promoted as league champions from the second division and their aim throughout the season was simply to survive. But it was not at all plain sailing for Peter Stöger’s side who really had to battle their way to safety. In the end they were the only newly promoted side who managed to stay up, even if that was with a style of football that many considered to be very negative. Three 0 - 0 draws in their opening four matches set the scene for their tactics throughout the season. Köln’s tactics mainly consisted of having a very strong core of players in the centre of defence and midfield and forcing the opposition around the sides. But it made them a very tough team to beat and their lowest position this season was 14th which is testament of their ability to consistently pick up points. They ended the first round of matches in a very strong 11th place thanks to some excellent performances up until Christmas. They managed away win against Schalke and Hoffenheim as well as a home triumph against Dortmund. Whilst other teams faltered after the winter break, Köln simply kept going, sticking to their approach until the final day of the season. They also managed a few noteworthy draws and wins in the second half of the season but the most important result for them was their final league position of 12th with their safety confirmed three matchdays before the end of the campaign. A cup run to the round of 16 was a nice distraction from the daily grind of the league but they were eventually stopped by Freiburg in a tight game. To survive in the Bundesliga in this manner was a test of teamwork for the coaches and staff of FC Köln so there are many standout players. Standing above them is a standout coach who had to take difficult decisions this year but has guided his side to safety. The question is whether he is the man to take to the next level or whether they will have to play like this next season in order to survive again. Amongst the players goalkeeper Timo Horn had a fine season between the posts and was crucial to their stability. Anthony Ujah also chipped in with some important goals as their top scorer for the campaign. Their top performer though was left back Kevin Wimmer who was ever present in the starting team and maintained a very high level of performance throughout the year. He has been signed up for Tottenham next season and the club will have to look for a new starting left back though. They will also have to face the challenge of how to advance their system so that they stabilise themselves in the Bundesliga without needing to play like this throughout the whole season.
