Some sentences age poorly. The Düsseldorf followers needed to expertise this firsthand this summer season.
“I simply love being right here. I like that I really feel so snug, I’ve a giant duty within the group,” Ísak Jóhannesson mentioned in the course of the winter coaching camp to ‘Bild’, giving the supporters a superb feeling. “I consider within the venture, even when it takes a bit longer. I am somebody who seems to be past the subsequent six months.”
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He reiterated these sentiments in February when he kissed the Fortuna emblem—after a penalty purpose within the derby towards 1. FC Köln. The beginning of a beautiful relationship?
📸 Lars Baron – 2025 Getty Pictures
To make it quick: Sadly not. As a result of after all of the declarations of affection, he backtracked in Might after his final second division sport: “I like this membership, however you by no means know what tomorrow brings.” Did he already suspect then that it could be his final sport for Fortuna?
He wished to achieve the subsequent degree. Mentioned and completed. As a result of in the course of the summer season switch interval, Jóhannesson moved to the Bundesliga to rival 1. FC Köln and signed a contract till 2030. A stab within the coronary heart for all Fortuna followers. They reacted with insults on-line, which led him to briefly disable his remark operate.
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If any F95 followers nonetheless preferred him, he doubtless misplaced their favor with an announcement earlier than the Gladbach derby. “I’ve already performed towards FC with Düsseldorf, however towards Gladbach, it is much more necessary,” Jóhannesson mentioned to the Cologne ‘Geissblog’.
The Proper One for the Derby?
A minimum of earlier than the derby on Saturday night (6:30 PM), he appears to replicate the sentiments of his new followers. In Cologne, they doubtless see it equally. He’s notably trying ahead to the sport towards Gladbach, the Icelander revealed to media representatives after coaching on Wednesday: “I like taking part in precisely these derbies.”
The Icelandic nationwide participant has not solely gained expertise in such heated matches in Germany. With FC Copenhagen, he performed 5 occasions towards Bröndby IF and misplaced solely certainly one of them (two wins, two attracts). So he’s conversant in a sizzling ambiance within the stadium.
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Cologne’s Ball Distributor
However that is not the one cause he may very well be so necessary for Cologne towards arch-rival Gladbach. He not solely passes many balls but additionally runs till he cannot anymore. With 12.08 kilometers per sport, he ranks within the prime 40 of the Bundesliga. Giving all the pieces for his group—that will even be essential within the derby.
With this angle, Ísak Jóhannesson has already left his mark on Cologne’s build-up play and appears to really feel very snug in Cologne. However does he have what it takes to turn out to be a fan favourite? After his switch, he mentioned: “I need to keep right here for a really very long time.” All Cologne followers can solely hope that this sentence ages higher—and that one other transfer to the subsequent rival does not comply with quickly.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.
📸 RONNY HARTMANN – AFP or licensors