Friedhelm Funkel is said to lead the 1st FC Köln to promotion in the remaining two second division games. The 71-year-old has his very own ideas, with which he was very successful in the past.
It is the approach with which Friedhelm Funkel is so beneficial. The now 71-year-old has experienced so much in his professional footballer and coaching life in more than 50 years that he simply doesn’t drive himself crazy and let it get out. Not even if, like now, the (ascent) pressure of an entire city is on the shoulders of the native Neusser.
Rather, Funkel looks like he had just taken over a team with which he is at the beginning of a season preparation and he would have to get an overview of what he could expect from his new players.
He only has two games to save the three points ahead of the 3rd place in the table, the relegation place, over the finish line – and to make it perfect.
Pensioner continued to ask
But unlike many of his younger colleagues had handled it with great reliability, Funkel is not falling into actionism. He does not quickly think of several tactics variants in which six -tipping six in any half -spaces work against the ball.
This is exactly one of the main reasons why the actual (football-) Pensioner is still in demand in the industry and even seems indispensable. He knows the most important details to let football play successfully and use them. That Funkel already managed six climbs with five clubs – including the 1.FC Cologne – rounds off the wealth of experience of the football teacher.
Talks instead of tactical angle trains
“Tactics are often exaggerated. Football is still simple and no mathematics. I try to get simplicity and clarity in the processes,” said Funkel before departure to the game at 1. FC Nürnberg on Friday evening (9.5.2025, 6.30 p.m.).
An estimates that only the extremely experienced sparkle can afford without having to expect sharp headwind from an excited Cologne environment. He has developed this trust over the decades.
Rather, the transition coach relies on the human component among its players. He has conversations with all his players, “with one a little longer, a little shorter with the other”. He is concerned with conviction, but also about fun and a decent dose of looseness. “I believe that a good relationship of trust has grown in the short time,” said Funkel.
Strengthen offensive
With these “simple” means, Funkel tries to take too much tension and nervousness for the players and to create the necessary relaxation with his professionals. And of course the targeted procedure on the lawn also plays in the foreground.
“We did a lot with the ball. In the past few weeks, the team tried primarily to look against the ball and did a good job. Now we wanted to replace game scenes and give the team on the way when we are in the ball,” said Funkel and emphasized: “We want to play forward, score goals and win the game. You have to have some good ideas with the ball.”
Will the Funkel methods be crowned by success in this extremely short time? “I hope that the team can implement what we give them in the two games,” said the football teacher.
However, a success guarantee cannot even give Germany’s most experienced coach.
