1. FC Cologne: Salih Özcan in front of association change?

According to the "Cologne City-Anzeiger", the Turkish football association examines the possibility to persuade midfielder Salih Özcan from the Bundesliga club 1. FC Cologne to a bandage change.

The 24-year-old was U21 national player of the German Football Confederation, but in his last use already older than 23 years, so that seems almost impossible to change now a change of association.

The native of Cologne Özcan plays an impressive season at the FC, which has not been hidden to the Turkish national coach Stefan Kuntz.

"Salih was my captain at the U21, I still watch his career. He has stagnated sometimes, but now he has taken a great development that makes me very happy," said the two-time U21 European champion coach the "City-Anzeiger".

Kuntz estimates the combat qualities of the defensive midfield player: "I see it like my Dutch colleague, who once said: 'We all hate Özcan, but everyone would like a player like him in the team.' Salih is a pit bull, but off the square a dear person. "

Özcan is silent to Turkey plans

Since last September Kuntz, European champion of 1996, coach of the Turkish A selection is. He meets in the World Cup playoffs with the Turkish team at Portugal with Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Turks allegedly hope for an individual case decision on the part of the World Association FIFA and check this option. Özcan only has a German pasKuntz, but its parents are both born in Turkey and Turkish citizens.

Özcan did not want to express himself to the Turkish plans, but was pleased about the praise of Kuntz: "That Stefan Kuntz, whom I owe much to and whom I really appreciate as a human and absolute football expert, so talk about me, honors And I am very happy. " Currently, only the 1st FC Cologne for him, his contract at the Rhine countries is still running until June 30, 2023.