News blog about 1. FC Cologne
FC future uncertain: loan striker despite goal before relegation
Updated May 4, 2026 – 7:29 p.mReading time: 20 minutes
1. FC Köln is fighting to stay in the Bundesliga. In the news blog on t-online you will find all the important news about the Geißbockheim.
Imad Rondic scored his second goal and second assist for Preußen Münster against Hannover 96 on Sunday. The loan striker 1. FC Cologne First scored with a header from a corner before he initiated Münster’s second goal through Shin Yamada with a dribble before the break.
Nevertheless, the two goals didn’t help Rondic’s team. After the 3-3 draw in Hanover, the Prussians are facing relegation to the 3rd league. Rondic does not have a future in Münster. This also applies to his role at 1. FC Köln. The attacker still has a contract with the Billy Goats until 2029, but those responsible are no longer planning to work with the Bosnian and will sell him in the summer.
1. FC Köln’s relegation was almost perfect
1. FC Köln can plan for another Bundesliga season. Since St. Pauli lost 2-1 against FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday and then VfL Wolfsburg couldn’t get past a 1-1 draw at SC Freiburg, the Billy Goats can only theoretically stay in the league.
Two game days before the end of the season, FC is six points ahead of Wolfsburg and St. Pauli. In addition, Cologne has a much better goal difference compared to their two pursuers. Wolfsburg would not only have to make up the six points, but also 17 goals, St. Pauli even 20 goals – almost impossible.
1. FC Köln has suffered a setback in the fight to stay in the league. The billy goats gave up a 2-0 lead at Union Berlin. After goals from Marius Bülter and Said El Mala, FC lost the lead in the last 20 minutes of the game and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Doubly bitter: Not only is the rescue not yet perfect. To make matters worse, Eric Martel also saw his tenth yellow card and will be suspended for the last home game of the season on matchday 33 against 1. FC Heidenheim.
1. FC Köln will have to do without Rav van den Berg on matchday 32 at Union Berlin. The Dutchman had to abandon the final training session on Friday at Geißbockheim due to injuries. For the central defender, head coach René Wagner nominated Dominique Heintz, a veteran and former Union player.
