“We did the basics today, but nothing more than that” – #KOEBMG Reaction

The Foals drew 0-0 in the derby away to 1. FC Köln. Following the final whistle, we have all the post-match reaction from Lars Stindl, Florian Neuhaus, sporting director Roland Virkus and both head coaches, Daniel Farke and Steffen Baumgart.

Lars Stindl: We were not at our best in the first half and made a lot of mistakes. Our own errors meant Effzeh were able to control the game and create one or two chances. All in all, we defended very well, but we were too imprecise going forward to pose any kind of threat. We came out well after half time and created two good chances quickly. Then the precision went missing again. We did the basics today, but nothing more than that. That means we have to be happy with a point.

Florian Neuhaus: We would have loved to win, it would have been an important three points for us. It didn’t happen though, unfortunately. At the end of the day, we’ll take a point. I don’t think there is any debate about the possible penalty in the first half – it was a clear foul. I hope everybody can see that. I wanted to control the ball with my right foot and then shoot with my left, but the Köln defender collided with me so I couldn’t control it. Apparently it wasn’t enough contact for the referee to blow his whistle – or at least that’s what he told me.

Sporting director Roland Virkus: We were too imprecise on the ball in the first half – you have to say, it was not good. The players wanted it, but little things got to them and unsettled them. Nevertheless, the team defended well and did their all to keep a clean sheet. As the game went on both teams became a bit nervous of losing the game. That meant that all things considered, the 0-0 was the right result. Who will be happier with that result is a good question, but to keep a clean sheet away from home is always a positive.

Borussia head coach Daniel Farke: We’ve taken a point away from Köln and kept a clean sheet, which are both positives. I can’t be happy with the footballing performance, though. We misplaced far too many passes in the first half and lost the ball too easily and too often. That meant we lost belief in ourselves and had to fight to get back into the game, which we did. I’m happy with the second half. One of the annoying things, of course, is that we didn’t get a clear penalty in the 15th minute – Florian Neuhaus had his standing leg taken out. If you get the chance to take the lead from the spot, then it might turn into a completely different game. Those are the kind of things you can’t change, though.

Köln head coach Steffen Baumgart: We wouldn’t have complained too much if the penalty was given against us after 15 minutes. Apart from that we played good football, put in a good running performance and despite the quality Gladbach had on the counter attack, were brave going forward. Of course we would have liked to have won, but we’ll take a point with us.