24/7 FC

After the song "Tommi" by the Cologne band AnnenMayKantereit became a cabin hit last season, the current episode features a moving conversation between singer Henning May and FC captain Jonas Hector about homesickness for Cologne, ash pitches and pressure - both on stage and on the pitch. Managing director Christian Keller gives down-to-earth insights into his soccer world and plans with FC in his home town of Gutmadingen (Baden-Württemberg), while the Kainz family recharges their batteries in their Austrian homeland of Graz.

There are plenty of emotions surrounding the departure of Anthony Modeste, the successful start to the season and qualification for the group stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League, the bad luck with injuries against Stuttgart and the terrible incidents in Nice that overshadowed what had until then been a peaceful football festival. 

In the 24/7 episode "Familie," Steffen Baumgart explains his idea of an FC family that is characterized by respectful interaction between fans and players. Linton Maina reports on why FC is quickly becoming a family for newcomers. In addition, Luca Kilian's grandfather, ex-Bundesliga player Amand Theis, is involved in his grandson's every tackle at the home game against BVB. 

The fourth 24/7 episode "Kraftakt" shows how hard the team fights for every point and never looks for excuses. Every game offers unpredictable events. The dream of Europe ends conceivably close and often the return does not match the team's effort. Steffen Baumgart knows: "We're in a relegation battle, that's clear. But with the squad to tackle it, I'm not afraid." 

In the 24/7 episode "Enthusiasm," Steffen Baumgart and FC legend Wolfgang Overath meet two soccer lovers. Denis Huseinbasic visits his home country and explains how kicks with buddies in the cage shaped him. Davie Selke meets his uncle David, who is a pastor in Cologne and instilled the enthusiasm of this city in his nephew at an early age.

The Lachende FC Arena for the 75th club birthday heralds the hot phase of the carnival. In the following games, the team only gets one point despite some good performances. Jan Thielmann's bad luck with injuries is similarly unpredictable, and he blames everything on the Nubbel. BVB legend Kevin Großkreutz explains why his heart also beats for FC and why they will stay up in the league.

Captain Jonas Hector announces the end of his professional career in a highly emotional speech in the dressing room, and Timo Horn, the longest-serving FC professional of all time, also announces his departure. With three away wins in a row, FC secured its place in the league, the U19s won the DFB Cup, head coach Steffen Baumgart extended his contract and became a member.