The final road fixture of 2016 resulted in a draw as 1. FC Köln were held 1-1 by SV Werder Bremen. Jonas Hector, Marco Höger, and Thomas Kessler reacted to the match.

Jonas Hector: “I think we played really well in the first half. In the second half you could see a little more back-and-forth, but I think with a little bit of luck we could have ended as the winners. Now we host Leverkusen at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Wednesday. I think a win would be a good way to end the year.”

Marco Höger: “It is bitter because we were denied a clear penalty at the end of the game. If we get that penalty and convert it, I would be standing here talking to you with 26 points. Instead we have 24 and need to prepare for what will surely be a difficult match against Leverkusen. What makes the situation worse is that I picked up my fifth yellow. I think it was a clear penalty, but I also have to be smarter in that situation.”

Thomas Kessler: “I thought we deserved to win this match, but that little bit of luck was missing. I think it was an interesting match for the neutral observer with chances on both sides. It is bitter because I thought Marco [Höger] was clearly fouled in the box but we did not get the opportunity to pick up the three points. We now have to focus on regeneration in what will be a short week with the Leverkusen match taking place on Wednesday.”