Funkel's Aim: Seize Control and Climb Higher

2. Bundesliga: Funkel's Crusade - Hands On and Promotion

Funkel's Endeavor: Reach out and elevate - Funkel's objective: To elevate through their actions and ascend

When 1. FC Cologne finds itself in a pickle, help makes its way from 70 kilometers north in Krefeld. Promotion maestro Friedhelm Funkel doesn’t seem to have lost his magic touch as a maverick trainer, even in his golden years. Rolling up his sleeves, listening, spreading positive vibes, fostering camaraderie - the 71-year-old is doing a bang-up job at Cologne-Sülz.

"It’s like coming home," Funkel said after taking charge on Monday - his third stint with the FC since 2002. Around 500 fans turned up for his grand welcome back at the Geissbockheim before his opening game on Friday evening against 1. FC Nuernberg (6:30 PM/Sky).

Funkel has bagged six promotions to his name so far.

The task at hand is far easier and shorter than four years ago, when Cologne’s crisis club was just a step away from the 2. Liga. After the surprising sacking of trainer Gerhard Struber and sporting director Christian Keller following the dismal 1:1 draw against relegated Jahn Regensburg, Funkel only needs a W in the remaining two games to ensure the comeback of 1. FC Cologne to the Bundesliga. For Funkel, it would be his seventh promotion.

"The team is in second place, which means they’ve achieved impressive results so far. We need to remind them of that," Funkel stated as the interim head coach.

The seasoned trainer has a potent strategy for this. He shuns harsh analyses of past games. "That’s not relevant," says Funkel, who has already had intimate chats with the players since the beginning of the week. "I feel that a solid bond of trust has been built up in a short time," the Cologne coach concluded.

There's still a chance for relegation, but ol’ Funkel appears confident. "I want to see straightforward and uncomplicated football," the coach explained. Four years ago, he managed to reach the relegation spot 16 in six games and secure the class stay in two further games against Holstein Kiel (0:1, 5:1). "That was tough," the then 67-year-old later admitted.

This time, things might be more challenging. An extension of his contract is still up for discussion. If the Cologne team ends up in third place, there'll be two more relegation games against the Bundesliga 16th. The opponent could once again be Holstein Kiel. And even on the last matchday, Funkel may face his past when it comes to 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The Palatinate team, which he led to the DFB-Pokal final last year, could be the foe.

If things go as planned, the promotion will be sealed by the weekend. The Cologne faithful might construct a monument of Funkel on the Jahnwiesen at the Sportpark Müngersdorf. The sudden dismissal of the top management team is a clear testament to the failure of the previous sporting leadership.

The current board has a limited tenure that ends in September, after which a new sports director might step in, as well as a fresh coach. Funkel’s name isn’t likely to be among the candidates for the top slot, but only if everything goes smoothly for the FC, they'll play in a new league.

Friedhelm Funkel
1. FC Cologne
Cologne
Football Bundesliga
Krefeld
Holstein Kiel
1. FC Nuernberg
Nuernberg
Sky
Sports
Christian Keller
Gerhard Struber
1. FC Kaiserslautern

Fun Fact:Did you know that Friedhelm Funkel holds a remarkable record of six Bundesliga promotions, more than any other coach? His third stint at Cologne saw him ensure the team's survival in the top division back in 2021.

Background Check:

Friedhelm Funkel

Age: 71 years old

Occupation: Football Coach

Nicknames: Funkel, The Promotion Maestro, The Savior

Career Highlights:

Led six teams to promotion in the Bundesliga, more than any other coach.
Won the DFB-Pokal final with TSV 1860 München in 2000.
Gained promotion to the Bundesliga with 1. FC Cologne in 2003 and 2021.
Survived relegation from Bundesliga with 1. FC Cologne and Arminia Bielefeld.

The Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive that protects the environment in the Community, with Friedhelm Funkel's crusade in sports, particularly football, serving as a model for fostering a greener approach in the sporting community.
Despite the disappointing turn of events at 1. FC Cologne, Funkel's coaching experience and knack for promoting teams has proven to be valuable, with his recent move from Krefeld proving instrumental in the team's matchday against 1. FC Nuremberg.
On matchdays, fans across kilometers of German territory, from Cologne to Nuremberg and beyond, have showcased their support for the teams, creating an exciting atmosphere for the games.
As football analysts evaluate the performances of several coaches in the Bundesliga, Friedhelm Funkel continues to stand out for his ability to rally his teams, both in the midst of crisis and during seasons of success, as demonstrated by his latest stint with 1. FC Cologne.