Domenico Tedesco: Find the net and leave the pitch as winners

Tedesco understands, however, that the team are “ready for anything”, including extra time or even a possible penalty shootout. In order for the match to end with a victory for the Royal Blues, a certain flaw from recent games needs to be addressed. “We’re lacking goals,” says the 33-year-old frankly. However, he also stresses that his team have created some dangerous chances in games where they have pushed forwards, for instance, last week in Istanbul.

After a poor start to the season with five consecutive defeats, Tedesco says it is important to get back some defensive stability. “If we’re strong in defence, that’ll be a small step forwards. We know that we have the ability to do much more in attack,” says the coach.
The coach is not willing to reveal the team’s line-up for the upcoming match. He gave praise to Köln, who have some great players and, most of all, dangerous attacking forwards at their disposal. Personally, he is looking forward to the match, as “knock-out games are always something special.”

Rudy fit again, Fährmann remains out injured

Sebastian Rudy, who missed the goalless draw against Leipzig with the flu, is fit again in time for Wednesday’s cup game. However, the same can’t be said for the captain. “Ralf Fährmann will need a few more days,” explains Tedesco. “The muscle has healed, and he has no pains, but we don’t want to take any risks with him.”

Next to Rudy, Schalke’s other Germany international will also be in the squad in Köln. Tedesco, however, won’t reveal where exactly on the pitch Mark Uth will feature. “I really liked Mark in the number eight position in Istanbul, but he also played very well up top in Leipzig,” says the head coach, who highlights the many strengths of the Cologne-born player. “He made runs in deep in Leipzig, he can hold the ball up against solid players due to his great technical ability and his first touch is always clean,” says Tedesco, who adds: “He’s always positioned well to take a pass and he’s a player who really wants the ball – that’s something we need in midfield too.”