Timo Schultz's Time at Köln: Striker Issues, Bundesliga Successes and Kicker Interview

Background: Timo Schultz's time at Köln so far

When Timo Schultz took over as Köln manager in January, his side were in 17th place and level on points with Darmstadt who were bottom in the Bundesliga.

Now, he has dragged his team within one point of Mainz in 16th and increased the gap to bottom side Darmstadt to five points.

A win against Eintracht Frankfurt and draws against Borussia Mönchengladbach and VfB Stuttgart as well as an unbeaten record away from home have been some notable successes during his time at the Billy Goats.

Timo Schultz in Kicker Interview: Sargis Adamyan's form, individual mistakes and his future at the club

Schultz on Köln's attacking output

When Timo Schultz was asked about his team's attacking output, he said: "We also know that we need to be more effective on offense. And not only because Davie Selke and Luca Waldschmidt are returning, but also because Sargis Adamyan is on the rise, we will hopefully have more power in the last line for the rest of the season."

His side have scored a league low of twenty goals this campaign and have been without top scorer Davie Selke since January.

Schultz on his contract and future at 1. FC Köln and staying at the club in spite of relegation

When asked about his role at the club in the case of relegation, Timo Schultz said: "Coaches want to build something. That would work really well at FC because on the one hand the team has already grown together and on the other hand there are players who identify with the club and will develop."

He added: "Regardless of the league, I can imagine working here well beyond the summer. I plan to be here longer."

Schultz on Sargis Adamyan

When asked about Köln's striker Sargis Adamyan, Timo Schultz said: "Sargis was injured when I arrived and has improved from week to week since his return. He posed a goal threat in every session, was strong and uncomfortable against the ball."

He added: "This can be a good role model for others who are currently behind, such as Steffen Tigges and Florian Dietz . As a coach, I would be really stupid to leave out someone who scores goals. Sargis did it and everyone is invited to do the same."

Sargis Adamyan scored his first ever goal under Timo Schultz against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last time out.

Timo Schultz on facing Hamburg in the relegation play-offs

Faced with the prospect of facing third in the 2. Bundesliga should Köln finish in sixteenth this season, Timo Schultz was asked about the prospect of potentially facing ex-Köln manager Steffen Baumgart (current coach of Hamburg) in the play-offs.

In a short and snappy response, Schultz said: "I'll take it."