Ready for More Magic: Funkel Steps Up as Cologne's Knight in Shining Armor
Cologne's Financial Crisis May Find Resolution through Friedhelm Funkel's Solutions
When Cologne finds itself in a pickle, a savior rides in from the distance - 70 kilometers north, to be exact. Promotion whiz Friedhelm Funkel, the veteran trainer, is back on the scene and aims to work his magic once again, leading the Billy Goats back to the Bundesliga. But does he have the magic touch this time around?
As soon as troubles strike 1. FC Cologne, help often comes from Krefeld. The 71-year-old promotion expert, known as a guru of sorts, provides solace, bows his head, radiates positivity, and helps strengthen team spirit. Cologners welcome the familiar face in Sülz with open arms.
"It's like coming home for me," Funkel stated after taking the reins on Monday, marking his third stint with Cologne since 2002. Around 500 fans turned out for his grand entrance, eager to witness the first game against 1. FC Nuremberg on Friday at 6:18 PM (live on Sky and ntv.de).
Four years ago, the Cologne crisis club hung dangerously over the edge of the 2nd league. Under Funkel's guidance, the team managed to secure the first relegation spot in six games, thereby ensuring class maintenance in two subsequent games against Holstein Kiel (0:1, 5:1). "That was grueling," Funkel admitted after the grueling sprint.
Looking Ahead, Not Back
The current mission seems more straightforward than the one Funkel faced back then. The unexpected departure of trainer Gerhard Struber and sports director Christian Keller following the disappointing 1:1 against relegated Jahn Regensburg only requires Funkel to secure the second spot in the remaining games and therefore, the return of 1. FC Cologne to the Bundesliga. A task Funkel has performed a staggering six times before.
"The team is in second place. That means they've predominantly achieved very, very good results. Otherwise, they wouldn't still be in the running. And that needs to be communicated to the team again," Funkel noted. For this, he has a secret sauce. He steers clear of debating past mistakes. "That's not a topic. The past doesn't interest me," Funkel said, spending countless hours conversing with the players since taking the reins. "I believe that a good bond of trust has developed in a short time," Funkel observed confidently. Funkel is convinced of his mission. "I want to see simple, straightforward football."
Forecast & Future
A short-term contract extension could be on the horizon, depending on the outcome of the remaining games. If Cologne slips into third place, two promotion playoff matches could follow. Possible opponents include Holstein Kiel, as in 2018. In the event Cologne loses on the final matchday to 1. FC Kaiserslautern, a return to the 2. Bundesliga could loom large. However, Funkel might also be the game-changer in this situation. If Cologne wins in Nuremberg and the opposition falters, Cologne is promoted immediately.
In such a scenario, they might erect a statue of Funkel in Müngersdorf sports park. A bankruptcy declaration for the club’s leadership may be a temporary let-off for the current sports management, given the disappointing results and mistrust that led to Struber and Keller's dismissal. However, this presidency is only in place until September, after which a new sports director may take over, accompanied by a new coach. Funkel's name is unlikely to be on the list, provided everything goes according to plan and the FC advances to a new league.
Reference: ntv.de - Morten Ritter, dpa
- Friedhelm Funkel
- 1.FC Cologne
- 2. Bundesliga
- The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, but Friedhelm Funkel's strenuous efforts in his third stint with 1.FC Cologne could potentially save their spot in the Bundesliga.
- Funkel's return to 1.FC Cologne has been a source of excitement for their fans, reminiscent of moments when he led the team through tough matches and funkel-ed their way to victory.
- Despite the disappointing 1:1 against Jahn Regensburg, the European-leagues await Cologne under the guidance of Funkel, who aims to bring back simple, straightforward football to matchday.
- If 1.FC Cologne manages to secure a spot in the Bundesliga, Mayor Funkel might find himself with a new title, not just as a coach, but as the savior who 'saved' the football club.
