2024 Begins Tough for 1. FC Köln in Bundesliga
In a harsh twist of fate as the year comes to an end, 1. FC Köln faces four challenges heading into 2024. The Bundesliga team is currently without a coach, new players, points, and an open wallet, making for a difficult start to the new year.
Following the confirmation of Steffen Baumgart's departure at the year-end, the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) also declared the contested transfer ban instituted against the Rhinelanders would remain intact. After a disappointing 0:2 loss against 1. FC Union Berlin, 1.FC Köln sits in 17th place. While they've managed to stay in the Bundesliga due to a better goal difference compared to SV Darmstadt 98, the threat of relegation looms.
The 2024 challenges facing 1. FC Köln:
The Coach Vacancy
As Baumgart bids farewell to Cologne on December 31, the question of who will fill his illustrious shoes remains unanswered. With sympathetic sentiments towards the departing 51-year-old former striker, results dictated his time in Cologne was coming to an end. While securing a new coach hasn't been a priority, the team can't afford to stand still in its search for a replacement.
The Sporting Situation
The Bundesliga table is grim for 1. FC Köln. Ten points from 16 games puts them in 17th place. The recent relegation in 2018 still resonates, and with only five years having passed since promotion, Cologne is dangerously close to falling back into the second division. However, 1. FSV Mainz 05 also finds themselves in a tight spot due to a paltry ten points and only a six-point lead over 13th place.
The Transfer Ban
In an unexpected turn, the transfer ban on 1. FC Köln imposed by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport Cas remains in place. Despite hoping to appeal the ban at the sports court, the Rhinelanders will need to navigate the 2024 Bundesliga season without signing new players. The team will, however, still have the option to sell their current players, which could further complicate their situation.
Financial Woes
- FC Köln continues to struggle financially. Creditors referred to the club as a "restructuring case" in 2022. Despite managing to reduce liabilities from €66 million to €50.5 million thanks to the Conference League and player sales like Anthony Modeste and Salih Öczan, the club still needs to keep working towards financial stability. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions regarding whether Baumgart will receive a golden handshake, adding further financial pressure to an already strained situation.
- With the transfer ban keeping them from making major signings, 1. FC Köln must rely on their existing roster, including regular player Dejan Ljubicic, in their fight to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.
- The Rhinelanders eagerly await the opportunity to take down rival 1. FSV Mainz 05, who are only six points above them in the Bundesliga table.
- Having ended 2023 with a disheartening 0:2 loss against 1. FC Union Berlin, 1.FC Köln will face even higher stakes when they meet again on the Bundesliga pitch in 2024.
Despite the challenges ahead, 1. FC Köln remains hopeful, drawing support from the fact their top rivals 1. FSV Mainz 05 are also grappling with a limited number of points. In the wake of Steffen Baumgart's departure, the club faces a significant void, and speculation surrounding potential candidates includes Bruno Labbadia, Dieter Hecking, and Sebastian Hoerneß.
