Podolski’s Struggles At Köln Continue

By: Dave Martinez | November 1st, 2009

podolski “We have all got to question ourselves, me included. We have a week and we have got to try to get our self-confidence back by discussing things. Otherwise, there’s no point even going to (Hertha) Berlin. We may as well stay here.”

“I can understand the fans’ disappointment. We were weak and deserved to lose. We showed absolutely nothing.

“You could see that our opponents mastered us and we did not play as a team. You cannot win games like that.”

Yup, it has been that kind of season for Lukas Podolski. After 11 games, the former Bayern Munich striker has only been able to notch one goal. His club record €10 million transfer fee brought with it promises of grandeur and now the FC Köln side, and supporters are looking to cash in on that part of the deal. Sure, the prodigal son is back, but a league low six goals through 11 games is not a reason to celebrate, nor does it meet the expectations of this desperate club. And after another let down performance in a 1-0 loss to Hannover, the crowd let the home team hear it.

But Lukas understands. He understands all too well. It is practically deja vu for the striker, who once upon a time labored with these same expectations for this exact same teams relegation battle, only to lose and to spend some sad years in Bayern Munich. Yet here he is, once again carrying the hopes of the entire franchise on his shoulders.

Talk about coming full circle . . . I wonder if this time, he will transfer out to Leverkusen?

Welcome back home, Lukas!

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Category: Bundesliga, Leagues, World Football

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Longman

Surprised he hasn't been linked with Arsenal yet, would fit in perfectly at the Gunners and would shine with Fabregas, Arshavin, and Van Persie (when he returns) feeding the ball into him. In my mind he is still one of the better strikers in the world!
Dave Martinez

He made a decision based on his heart. And now, he is reaping the "rewards" so to speak. Good call Luke.
Luke

If Podolski really thought Köln could contend, that's really a terrible misreading of the success Hertha had last season. Or a delusion about the difference one player can make. I have absolutely no sympathy for the guy. This was the situation he moaned and cried for, for the last two seasons. His hometown team moved heaven if not earth to be able to afford to bring him back, and he deserves the brunt of public pressure for that alone.

He's probably stuck in his self-made purgatory at least two more seasons. One if he's lucky enough to see his team get relegated next year. You look around that roster, and there's going to be some demolition in order. Petit will be out of the picture, they're going to need a new keeper, and how long before management is tempted sell Geromel? That said, I don't think they're in any danger this year, but they're a terribly uninspiring team to watch under most any circumstance.
Andrew

I truely think Lukas thought Koln would be able to contend this year. He is clearly a quality player, as he still starts for National team, but he as absolutely no talent around him. It is really sad to see his talent get wasted on a team that doesn't care.

I really hope he transfers this winter to a team serious about winning. Even a move out of the country might be good for him, he has too much pressure on him