They Should Do That More Often

Could you take anyone behind a goat seriously?

While most German footie fans were snoozing during Die Mannschaft’s goalless draw with Sweden, 3,119 members of FC Koeln gathered at the State House on Rhine Park to hear from embattled president Wolfgang Overath at Koeln’s Annual Meeting. 

The Billygoats, last in Bundesliga and now reporting debts around 24 million euros, have been downright Young and The Restless this season and the meeting was a rather boisterous affair.  From a sacked manager, a messianic goalkeeper (sorry, German) , a want-away striker, and less than stellar transfer decisions,  FC Koeln’s had a trying time this season for members to discuss. 

Thankfully, there was a live update (Warning: German link) of the event and here’s quick rundown of the fun.

19:00–Big crowd outside still trying to get in and find a seat.  Traffic is snarled on the streets outside.  Beer is almost 3 euros for the event.  SHAME!

19:03–Spokesman announces President Overath has decided not to resign, nor will director Michael Meier, whom most fans blame for the mess.  Booing, engaged.

19:10–Players led by new manager Frank Schaefer and Lukas Podolski–who reported being injured and unable to play for Germany in the friendly–enter the room.  Some applause, but audience gets right back to booing and chanting “Meier, OUT!” (Where was Georger yesterday?)

19:20–Video of the good times for the Billygoats along with the club anthem.  Short pause to take it in, then they get right back to the booing as the board enters the room. “Meier, OUT!”

19:32–Vice President of board attempts to start meeting, crowd still chanting “Meier OUT!” and booing and whistling.  Rumors of ousted GK Mondragon heading to New York Red Bulls are going around.  The crowd boos happily.

19:38–The 24 million euro debt is unveiled.  The crowd was already aware of the debt, so there is no increase in the booing right now.  Some members are honored, polite applause.  How much is the bratwurst?

20:02–After wrapping up the financial report, someone at the microphone mentions Kolen are only 3 points away from being out of relegation.  Booing is replaced with laughter.  West Ham fans can note that Uncle Avram’s 5 points away from relegation–on his “Happy Ending Massage” rewards card.

20:04–New manager Schaefer is guaranteed his job until the winter break.  The crowd is actually happy for the first time tonight.  That expensive beer was a bit of  a downer

20:18-21:16 Overath and Meier take turns admitting mistakes have been made but progress has been made.  Overath remarks that without Meier, Schaefer wouldn’t be the manager–omitting the fact that Schaefer is the current manager because Soldo was axed.  Meier receives insults, Overath continues to espouse confidence in him.

21:25–Someone asks about the transfer fee for Poldi and if it will help to sell him.  No one has the answer.  It’s all about the future!  These guys have a plan!

Votes are taken.  Meier is retained for now since Overath spent most of the meeting defending him and his decisions.  Everyone loves Schaefer.  There’s still some grumbling over that expensive beer. 

So, who said meetings were always boring?  Those guys should meet once a quarter, just to entertain the rest of us.  It was more entertaining than most international friendlies.