The 1. FC Köln starts in the DFB-Pokal against Würzburger Kickers. Einer der Gewinner der Vorbereitung darf sich dabei Hoffnungen auf einen Platz unter den ersten Elf machen. New Role & Starting LineupThielmann with FC Statement – Departure Never a Topic He belongs to the positive appearances of the preparation at 1. FC Köln. EXPRESS.de even crowned the 24-year-old as one of the winners of the first weeks. „It was one of my better preparations,“ says the player himself about his previous performances. This comes quite unexpectedly, considering that internally, after a mediocre season, one was no longer fully convinced of Thielmann. Even a separation was allegedly discussed. ### Thielmann wants to take on more responsibility at FC Thielmann himself has never received such signals, according to his own statements, corresponding conversations have never taken place, and therefore he has never dealt with a departure. On the contrary, in his seventh FC year, Thielmann wants to take another decisive step forward and take on more responsibility on and off the pitch. „It's an important year for me. I've known the club for years. I'll take one or the other by the hand. There, I've taken a step forward. On the pitch, I'm the same player,“ says Thielmann. ## More News for You Blame for the Riots? FCK-Profi counteracts accusations with a nasty sidekick How important he is for the team on the pitch, he will demonstrate directly on Monday at the Pokal kick-off against Würzburger Kickers. There, Thielmann reckons himself with best starting lineup chances. „Everyone could show themselves in the preparation, now it's up to the coach, who he puts out. I would rate my chances for Monday relatively high,“ says the attacking player. In fact, Thielmann is likely to be set after the previous impressions – and that on the Ten. On the position that is new to him, he has the nose ahead of Luca Waldschmidt, who also made a very strong impression. ## Is Ellyes Skhiri the right six for FC? Ellyes Skhiri returns to 1. FC Köln. Is that the right decision from FC's point of view? To his new position, which he wore at the general rehearsal in Paderborn, Thielmann says: „I felt very well there, we had many good actions.“ In the end, it doesn't matter to him whether he is deployed in the center or on the right wing: „As long as it's offensive.“ Now it's up to him to confirm the good impressions of the past weeks and transfer the performances into the season. Because Thielmann knows too: „A good preparation is only half the price. I have to confirm that now too.“