Ghana international defender Gideon Mensah is aiming to rise among the Bundesliga’s top left-backs after making the leap from French side AJ Auxerre to FC Koln.
The 28-year-old signed a two-year deal with Koln and wasted no time making an impact, playing a key role in a dramatic 3-2 win over TSG Hoffenheim during his Bundesliga debut at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.
Speaking to Flashscore, Mensah admitted he did not know much about Koln before completing the transfer, although he was already familiar with the intensity and demands of German football.
“Before coming here, I didn’t really know too much about Koln. Obviously, I watch the Bundesliga, so I know about the team,” Mensah said.
The Black Stars defender believes his previous experience with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria has given him a good understanding of the playing style he can expect in the Bundesliga.
“I know a bit about German football because I’ve played in Salzburg, and Austrian football is almost like the football in Germany here. We all know about the high pressing, the running and the aggression whenever you watch the Bundesliga,” he explained.
Mensah heads to Germany after four standout seasons with Auxerre, where he built a reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most reliable left-backs.
Buoyed by his achievements in France, the Ghanaian is eager to bring that same high level of performance to his new chapter in Germany.
“The goal is very clear for me. My years in Auxerre were very good because I became one of the most consistent left-backs in the league. Coming here to Germany, I have the same goal,” he said.
Mensah’s ambitions reach further than just supporting Koln’s goals this season. He is determined to carve out a place among the Bundesliga’s elite defenders right from his first campaign.
“My goal is to help Koln win as much as possible. By the end of my first season, I want everybody to know me as one of the best left-backs in the league,” Mensah added.
After a promising debut, Mensah will look to build momentum as Koln head to the MHPArena to take on VfB Stuttgart next weekend.
About The Author
