Köllner defends friendly against Newcastle: "You can find something with everyone"

Created: 07/04/2022Updated: 07/04/2022 13:18

By: Uli Kellner

How does his lions fare against a Premier League club?

Coach Michael Koellner.

© Imago

TSV 1860 against Newcastle United - a duel that polarizes.

But also one of great sporting value.

For coach Michael Köllner, the latter counts.

One was bought by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the other eleven years ago by Jordanian Hasan Ismaik.

All in all, when both clubs meet for a test match, it results in a combination that some fans dislike, especially in the TSV 1860 camp.

Fan poster: "Against Sportswashing"

"Against Sportswashing - Fuck the sheikhs" was written on a poster on the sidelines of the test match against Ried, accompanied by appropriate chants.

There are hard-liners among the 1860 ultras who want to boycott the July 15 test against Newcastle United.

So Michael Köllner was in demand as a diplomat when he had to defend the delicate game on the one hand, but on the other hand wanted to show understanding for the loud anti-commercial faction.

We haven't done everything right in the past either - and teams still play against us.

1860 coach Michael Köllner on test match opponents Newcastle United.

The lion trainer advised against "having a moral discussion".

"I find it difficult," he said. "You can find something with everyone.

We haven't done everything right in the past either - and teams still play against us.

Newcastle was bought by someone - with the money he has.

I don't know if it's our place to always judge things.

I'm responsible for the sport - and I'm glad that we get this friendly."

The game is to be played in Saalfelden – probably in the afternoon.

Köllner: “The evening in Austria is reserved for the ÖFB Cup.

They also want spectators.” Because in the end a few fans are probably interested in the duel between the “Sheik Clubs”.