After unexpectedly reaching the Europa League there was no way Cologne supporters were going to miss the chance to enjoy themselves in London
Germany
Earlier this year, FC Cologne’s Austrian coach Peter Stöger jokingly called himself “the club’s Arsène Wenger”, on account of having been in his post for four seasons, the longest stint of any coach since Christoph Daum left in 1990. A few months later Stöger, who has now surpassed Daum to become the club’s longest-serving coach in their 69-year history, met his idol Wenger in a match that marked a culmination of his work so far.
Last season’s unexpected fifth place was the highest Bundesliga finish since 1992, which was also the last time Cologne qualified for Europe. For the club and their fiercely loyal fans, this was a reminder of past glory days when “Der Effzeh” were a regular in Europe. Since that last season in Europe, Cologne have been relegated and promoted five times; a yo-yo club who had no immediate prospects of playing a team such as Arsenal again.
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
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Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
