Horn back in Cologne: "Silver is sensational"

Timo Horn had his big moment before kick-off on matchday 1. The executive board of 1. FC Köln honoured their keeper with the golden needle of honour, which he received for his heroics at the Olympic Games in Rio, helping Germany come home with the silver medal. The game went well for Horn too, as the 23-year-old recorded a 2-0 victory over Darmstadt 98 to start of the season. In an interview with DFB.de Horn talked about the confident victory, the weather conditions and his experiences at the Olympic Games.

Question: Mr. Horn, congratulations on the clean sheet. How important was it to avoid conceding today?

Timo Horn: It was definitely important. In the first half we did well in defence and didn't allow a single shot on goal. In the second half we lost our organisation a few times. A better opponent might have taken advantage of that. Overall it was an uncontested victory though. We could've recorded a much higher win. That's what you could criticise: We weren't clinical enough in front of goal.

Question: Have you ever experienced weather conditions like today?

Horn: It was a new experience for me. The hailstones were quite big and it was actually a bit frightening. It rained a lot in Brazil too and we had a few games which took place in constant rain showers. I think the referee made the right decision today to delay the match. We didn't let the break affect our performance and brought the victory home.

Question: You received the golden needle of honour before the game. What does this distinction mean to you?

Horn: I haven't even opened the present yet. I had to concentrate on the game first. I received the award, but I quickly passed it on to someone else. But obviously it's quite a big deal. I was told that only Bundesliga champions have received the golden needle of honour. The rest of the team will be even more motivated now (laughs).

Question: What is your verdict on the Olympic adventure overall?



Timo Horn had his big moment before kick-off on matchday 1. The executive board of 1. FC Köln honoured their keeper with the golden needle of honour, which he received for his heroics at the Olympic Games in Rio, helping Germany come home with the silver medal. The game went well for Horn too, as the 23-year-old recorded a 2-0 victory over Darmstadt 98 to start of the season. In an interview with DFB.de Horn talked about the confident victory, the weather conditions and his experiences at the Olympic Games.

Question: Mr. Horn, congratulations on the clean sheet. How important was it to avoid conceding today?

Timo Horn: It was definitely important. In the first half we did well in defence and didn't allow a single shot on goal. In the second half we lost our organisation a few times. A better opponent might have taken advantage of that. Overall it was an uncontested victory though. We could've recorded a much higher win. That's what you could criticise: We weren't clinical enough in front of goal.

Question: Have you ever experienced weather conditions like today?

Horn: It was a new experience for me. The hailstones were quite big and it was actually a bit frightening. It rained a lot in Brazil too and we had a few games which took place in constant rain showers. I think the referee made the right decision today to delay the match. We didn't let the break affect our performance and brought the victory home.

Question: You received the golden needle of honour before the game. What does this distinction mean to you?

Horn: I haven't even opened the present yet. I had to concentrate on the game first. I received the award, but I quickly passed it on to someone else. But obviously it's quite a big deal. I was told that only Bundesliga champions have received the golden needle of honour. The rest of the team will be even more motivated now (laughs).

Question: What is your verdict on the Olympic adventure overall?

Horn: It was a great experience. I never regretted going to Brazil. On the contrary: It was a lot of fun. Coming back with a silver medal after practically no preparation for the tournament was sensational. It certainly makes me proud.

Question: How would you compare the atmosphere in the Maracana to the stadium in Cologne?

Horn: It's obviously a different kind of atmosphere. In the Maracana we were playing in front of 80,000 spectators. There was a certain appeal to make the stadium quiet and for some spells of the game we managed to do that. Unfortunately at the end it wasn't quiet anymore. The atmosphere is more emotional in the Rheinenergie-Stadium for me. Here I know what the people are like and how much they care for the club. I know all the fan songs. That's why I would always opt for a game in our stadium.