Gideon Mensah targets Bundesliga's best left-back status after Köln move

Ghana defender Gideon Mensah has set his sights on establishing himself among the Bundesliga’s best left-backs after joining FC Köln from French side AJ Auxerre.

The 28-year-old signed a two-year deal with the German club and made an immediate impact, helping Köln beat TSG Hoffenheim 3-2 at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday.

Mensah admits he was not overly familiar with Köln before completing the move but says his previous experience in Austria has prepared him for the demands of German football.

“Before coming here, I didn’t really know too much about Köln. 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 at Auxerre and believes his consistency in Ligue 1 has given him the confidence to succeed in Germany.

“Joining Köln 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.

The Black Stars defender also wants to help Köln achieve their targets while building a reputation as one of the league's leading players.

“My goal is to help Köln 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.

Mensah is expected to be involved again next weekend when Köln travel to face VfB Stuttgart at the MHPArena.