In a recent interview with Sport 1, Jan Thielmann stated that 1. FC Köln is still an "attractive address" even in the case of relegation to the 2. Bundesliga.
With players like Julian Chabot and Davie Selke having relegation clauses which mean they can be bought out in the case of relegation, Köln will look to their most loyal players for the core of next season's potential 2. Bundesliga squad.
One of the first of these players to announce intentions of loyalty, Jan Thielmann recently spoke to Sport 1 and told them about his affinity to the club.
In the interview, he was asked: "Would 1. FC Köln continue to be an ideal club for players like you, even in the event of relegation?"
In response, he said: "Of course. Köln is an attractive address and a huge club – even after relegation to the 2nd league. That does not matter. FC Köln will always remain a huge club, ideally in the Bundesliga."