Jan Thielmann: Internally we already put ourselves pressure

The timing fits. It is easy for FC and Jan Thielmann in the crucial phase of the season. The 19-year-old has met once in the two youngest victories against Bielefeld (3-1) and in Augsburg (4: 1) and scored his second and third goals. In addition, he succeeded on Saturday after a throw -in ("We train. This is one of several variants") by header his third assist.

• ... "Then the problems are gone very quickly"
• a year ago the Cologne world looked very different - now FC apparently has the calm away

... "Then the problems are gone very quickly"

The U-21 international, like his club, is on a high altitude. "It always feels good when you are in the run when you have a flow. Then the problems that are actually there are quickly gone," says the right foot, who knows what he is talking about.

The contrast to the previous year is huge. Now the qualification for international competition is very likely. Even a place in the Champions League is not impossible two game days before the end. A situation that makes football playing for the almost relegated team of the pre-season.

a year ago the Cologne world looked very different - now FC apparently has the calm away

"It's just a completely different starting point," explains the fast attacker, "we can go very relaxed. Last year we had pressure in every game. We don't have it this year." At least not from fans and media. Because: "We are already putting a bit of pressure internally, otherwise we are left," said Thielmann.

But this is a purely positive. Providing performance, not inhibiting. FC is currently experiencing the lightness of being as a surprise team. "We were never tense at no time, were always positive things, each game went straight to the success and thus got the success," says Thielmann the recipe for success, which of course should no longer be changed: "We are positive for Saturday and Of course, hope that we will score the next points. "

Thielmann wants to use the favor of the hour, the moment. "The momentum is currently on our side," he knows, explaining with a view to his mini score: "I am glad that I can help the team with my goals and hope that the next one will be added on Saturday."

Not only to further exceed the goal of the season. "We said before the second half of the season: 50 points are a big goal for us. We have achieved them. Now it is time to look ahead. Now we are not yet satisfied with 52 points," emphasizes Thielmann.

Now we are not yet satisfied with 52 points.

Jan Thielmann

From now on, of course, it should also be enough for the European Cup. As last in 2017, when Thielmann was not yet a FC professional, but kicked for Eintracht Trier. "Back then I was still in my home country, came to Cologne a year later," recalls the extremely strong and enthusiastic attacker, who has developed significantly in a playful way. "Back then as a Cologne fan it was nice to look at, now as a player it is more beautiful." Further emotional increases are not excluded.