The 1. FC Köln and Friedhelm Funkel separate after the successful ascent. The decision is understandable and more chance for FC as a risk.
Friedhelm Funkel would have liked to continue as head coach of 1. FC Köln. The 71-year-old is still burning for the task on the sidelines, would have loved to prove himself again in the Bundesliga. But FC did not want to commit itself, so Funkel withdrew from the selection process.
A decision that is just as understandable as those of the billy goats who want to choose the best possible coach and not the most obvious. Funkel would certainly have been a good choice, this shows the changes that the record coach was able to obtain from FC in such a short time. His experience could have been worth gold. Nevertheless, doubts would have remained.
Doubts that the FC managers also shared. Would Funkel really have a full season with 34 league games, DFB Cup, test games, summer preparation, training camp, winter preparation and all the club’s obligations? Possible, but not safe. And would Funkel also be able to maintain his spell, which he at short notice to the team at short notice?
The 1. FC Köln now needs a trainer who sparked the fire at the Geißbockheim, in the team and also in the area. A leadership figure that can potentiate the euphoria of the ascent and use it for FC. In 2021 Steffen Baumgart followed on Funkel and managed exactly this. Four years later, the FC needs another trainer with such an effect.
The trainer market gives some interesting options. Lukas Kwasniok would probably get the closest to Baumgart. Urs Fischer has impressively demonstrated with Union Berlin that he can win over players like fans in a completely different, personable way. Christian Titz has made an impressive career development at the 1st FC Magdeburg. And Horst Steffen is considered a human catcher with an exceptional way of playing in Elversberg.
Thomas Kessler is now facing his first test. The new chief coach’s new sports director of the goat must select the new chief coach – and that quickly. Because the squad planning is not waiting and can only really take speed with the new trainer on the side. Kessler is therefore demanded twice: he has to find the right trainer as a radio successor and to conclude the conversations under time pressure.
But Kessler has prepared for this day. For four years he stood in the shadow of the respective sports director, was executing strength instead of decision -makers. For the 39-year-old, however, it was always clear that at some point he would strive for this post. Now Kessler has reached this career goal and can start with the FC, the rise in the back. He could also have got a worse moment.