Soccer coach Steffen Baumgart doesn't think much of media speculation about Anthony Modeste's possible return to 1. FC Köln. "We don't think about that. I don't plan on doing a roll backwards. I've always handled it that way in my life. What's over is over," said the FC coach to the "Express" (Wednesday). The 34-year-old Modeste switched to league rivals from Dortmund last summer, where he is to represent Sébastien Haller, who is suffering from cancer, for a year. After recent weak performances and only two goals in 20 competitive games, he lost his regular place to young star Youssoufa Moukoko.

"He decided to leave the club in the happiest phase of his career. He chose the Champions League, I respect that," commented Baumgart, under whose direction the attacker scored 20 Bundesliga goals last season. Despite the current crisis in form, the coach is still convinced of the Frenchman's qualities: "Tony is still one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga, but he hardly scores any goals in Dortmund."

Cologne squad statements Baumgart Express