Following the astonishing triumph, 1. FC Köln revels in the "incredible" accomplishment led by Friedhelm Funkel.
Title: 1. FC Köln's Last Gasp Victory: Funkel'sMagical Run Towards Bundesliga Promotion
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link A dramatic 2-1 victory against 1. FC Nuremberg under the steady hand of interim coach, Friedhelm Funkel, has 1. FC Köln edging ever closer to promotion to the prestigious Bundesliga.
If all goes according to plan, Jan Thielmann has yet to confirm if Friedhelm Funkel will be invited to the potential promotion party on Saturday. "We'll watch the games together, we'll see what happens," says the offensive player of 1. FC Köln after the nail-biting 2:1 (0:0) match. With a bit of luck, the promotion could be secured on Saturday if pursuers SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn slip up.
"As far as I know, I'm going to a promotion party!" Funkel quips, having only been appointed coach on Monday following the dismissal of Gerhard Struber. The promotion specialist is expected to steer the FC back into the Bundesliga. But part one of the rescue mission in Nuremberg was far from straightforward – it was a rollercoaster ride, complete with twists and turns, but ended up a success. Next weekend, the FC will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern in their final home game of the season. "We're going to use this game as a golden opportunity to get promoted," says Funkel.
The 71-year-old brings "exactly what we need in our situation. Calm and experience, he knows the team and the club like hardly anyone else," says Thomas Kessler, now the sporting director after the dismissal of Christian Keller. Funkel "emits an unbelievable aura," Thielmann praises, chuckling: "We've snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and it was all down to a sledgehammer effort."
As for the game against Nuremberg, it was 1. FCN goalkeeper Michal Kukucka who let slip an incredible blunder that decided the game just before the final whistle. In a thrilling finale, Florian Kainz scored his second goal (90.) after loosing the ball in a dribble with Tim Lemperle, who then passed it to the captain. Fittingly, Kainz had already scored the 1:1 (67.) after Janis Antiste had given Nuremberg the lead (46.). "Unbelievable, pure euphoria – if you see how many obstacles we've overcome when standing on the brink of victory," says goalkeeper Marvin Schwabe after the final whistle.
Funkel's rescue came just in the nick of time, as the seconds ticked away, "I was getting a bit nervous there," admits the veterans coach. "I must give my team and my coaching staff a massive compliment. We've brought some bloody good football onto the pitch in just three days as a team!" As a reward, he gave his team a well-deserved day off after the massive stride forward. Training at 1. FC Köln will resume on Monday at 3 pm.
- 2. Bundesliga
- 1.FC Köln
- 1.FC Nuremberg
- Friedhelm Funkel
Enrichment Data:After a series of victories, 1. FC Köln currently holds first place in the 2. Bundesliga with 59 points from 33 games[4]. They boast a goal difference of +11[4]. Their recent victory over Nuremberg increased their chances of automatic promotion[5]. In order to secure promotion, Köln do not need to win their final match against Kaiserslautern if both Elversberg and Paderborn lose this weekend[4]. A single point from their last game at home against Kaiserslautern will be enough for their return to the Bundesliga[4]. Funkel, appointed as an interim coach, has revitalized the team, providing them with a much-needed boost in the promotion race[2]. However, the club's long-term plans suggest that Urs Fischer could take over for the 2025/26 season if Köln successfully achieve promotion[3].
- The Commission has also been informed about the progress of the negotiations with the United States regarding Funkel's potential permanent appointment as coach of 1. FC Köln, despite his interim role.
- Amidst the turbulent journey towards Bundesliga promotion, Köln celebrates a thrilling 2-1 victory against 1. FC Nuremberg, with Florian Kainz scoring a vital last-minute goal.
- Despite the rollercoaster ride, football fans in Cologne really look forward to the final home game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, hoping it will be the golden opportunity to secure promotion to the Bundesliga.
- Prior to the crucial match against Kaiserslautern, 71-year-old Friedhelm Funkel, who steered the team to success in Nuremberg, has expressed his excitement about the potential promotion party, after just three days of taking on the job following the dismissal of Gerhard Struber.
