Ghana defender Gideon Mensah says he wants to establish himself as one of the Bundesliga’s leading left-backs after joining FC Koln from French club AJ Auxerre.
The 28-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the German side and made an instant contribution, helping FC Koln secure a 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.
Mensah admitted he did not know a great deal about FC Koln before making the move, but believes his previous experience in Austria has given him a useful understanding of the demands he will face in 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,” he told Flashscore.
“I know a bit about German football because I’ve played in Salzburg and Austrian football is almost like the football in Germany here. I know a bit about the structure that the league has.
“We all know about the high pressing, the running and the aggression in the game whenever you watch the Bundesliga.”
Mensah spent four years with AJ Auxerre and says his performances in Ligue 1 have given him the belief that he can succeed after moving to Germany.
The Ghana international believes the change of league represents an opportunity to continue the progress he made in France, where he feels he became one of the division’s most reliable players in his position.
“Joining Koln and also coming to the Bundesliga, the goal is very clear for me and very direct for me. I think my years in Auxerre were very good for me as I became one of the most consistent left-backs in the league. Coming here to Germany, I have the same goal,” he said.
Mensah is also focused on helping FC Koln meet their objectives, while working towards earning wider recognition across the Bundesliga.
The Black Stars defender wants his first season at the club to be judged not only by his own performances but also by the team’s results.
“My goal is to help Koln win as much as possible. I’m hoping that by the time I leave here, or by the time I’m done with the first season, everybody will know about me as one of the best left-backs in the league,” Mensah added.
His competitive debut for FC Koln came in a dramatic home victory against TSG Hoffenheim, a result that provided the defender with a positive start to life in Germany.
Mensah is expected to be involved again next weekend when FC Koln travel to face VfB Stuttgart at the MHPArena.
