Dominic Maroh of 1. FC Köln has enjoyed a fine start to the season, having started 10 games in the Bundesliga, and being part of the team that kept four clean sheets in a row.

In an interview with German newspaper, Bild, the Slovenian defender admitted he doesn’t feel any pressure in training: “It is not that it is unfair in training. You can see each player is aware of how big the competition is.

“The coach wants to hold up the tension. I don’t interpret this into neither good nor bad. I don’t need a pat on the back.”

Maroh, 27, has very close ties with manager, Peter Stöger and his dad, Boris Maroh.

“The coach and my father! Those are the only people who are important to me in terms of my performance,” said Maroh.

“He drove me as a child from place to place. He lives with my professional life. After each game I call my father, Boris.

“He [Boris] tells me what I’m doing wrong. He is more critical than euphoric. Nevertheless, he is, if he can attract an FC-shirt, the happiest person in the world. He tries to be present at every game.”

Köln currently lie 11th in the Bundesliga table, on the same points as newly promoted SC Paderborn 07. Die Geißböcke enjoyed a spell in Florida as part of their winter-break training, winning both Corinthians and Fluminense to lift the Florida Cup.

“We are in talks [over my contract]. It’s no secret that I am comfortable here and would like to stay. I can still learn something every day.

“The problem is that this year, no team is knocked off really.

“The sporting situation is unusual for him [Jürgen Klopp],” The Borussia Dortmund manager currently finds his team lying in 17th place of the Bundesliga.

Köln return to action with a trip to Hamburg on January 31. The previous meeting on the opening day of the season finished in a 0- 0 draw.

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