Schwäbe praises Modeste after close win: "He's our insurance policy."
After a 1-0 win over Freiburg, FC Köln's players were quick to point out that they could have had no complaints had the match ended in a draw.
As it so happens a disciplined defensive effort saw the Geißböcke prevail 1-0 at the Rhein-Energie-Stadium.
Of course, there was also another game-winning goal for Anthony Modeste.
As it so happens a disciplined defensive effort saw the Geißböcke prevail 1-0 at the Rhein-Energie-Stadium.
Of course, there was also another game-winning goal for Anthony Modeste.
| Anthony Modeste. | Photo: Marco Verch/Creative Commons |
Such controversy notwithstanding, the cathedral city side can certainly be proud that they maintained the lead. Unlike in the reverse fixture, the Domstädter were able to survive a late Freiburg onslaught. After surviving a series of dangerous SC corners, they ran the clock down cleverly in their opponents half. Steffen Baumgart--at home in COVID quarantine--was surely proud after sweating out the stress.
Timo Hübers--the center-halve tasked with effectively captaining the defensive ranks after Rafael Czichos' surprise departure--described an exhausting endeavor afterwards.
"Lots of anticipation work, running after balls, and going strong into aerial duels," the visibly tired 25-year-old said when asked to describe his workday, "We would have no complaints about a draw."
For his part, keeper Marvin Schwäbe also acknowledged that Freiburg could have earned a point from the encounter. The newly installed Köln #1 didn't speak on the controversial "screen", but did note that the Breisgauer gave him plenty of work.
Luckily for the Kölner defensive team, Anthony Modeste's incredible comeback season continues. The 33-year-old Frenchman's 14th league goal of the season proved the difference in the tightly contested affair.
"He's our insurance policy," Schwäbe said of Modeste afterwards, "We can rely on him. He's precisely what we need."
Modeste remained modest when discussing his winner in his post match interview. The Cannes native spoke of the importance of the team's regulated approach playing without their coach. The striker also wished to point out that the squad's immediate goal was to get to 40 points on the season, and thereby avoid relegation.
Köln may be in 6th place, but they have just 32 points on the campaign.
"After that, we'll see," Modeste summed up.