Bayer and Köln to compete in Florida Cup
Cologne/Leverkusen - German top-flight duo Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FC Köln have both confirmed their participation in the 'Florida Cup' friendly tournament in January 2015.
'A big incentive'
The Rhineland-based pair will contest the event alongside Brazilian clubs Fluminense FC and SC Corinthians Paulista, but will not play against one another.
Both clubs see the event as an ideal way to, not only optimise their preparations for the restart of the Bundesliga season at the end of January 2015, but also to enhance their presence in the United States. "We're delighted to be able to participate in what is a high-profile tournament," said Köln sporting director Jörg Schmadtke. "It's a great incentive for 1. FC Köln to boost our profile in the USA."
Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade took a similar view, adding: "We'll have two games against two strong teams from Brazil, which makes this an interesting event on a footballing level. Furthermore, the market in the United States is a very attractive one, not only for Bayer 04, but for the Deutscher Fußball Liga (DFL) as well."
The Bundesliga season reconvenes after the winter break on Friday 30 January 2015.
