The 1. FC Köln has the Bundesliga promotion in mind. In the club, however, the chaos rules again – also because the decision -makers are missing.
The 1. FC Köln in May 2025 – at first glance, the club seems on the right track. The longed-for Bundesliga return is only one point away. Friedhelm Funkel managed to spark something like promotion euphoria for the first time this season. In addition, the club recently welcomed its 150,000 members. A number that illustrates what potential the traditional association has. Or rather, could have. Because behind the scenes there is again the proverbial Cologne chaos.
And this does not only mean the party incident around Tim Lemperle. Its likely failure for the season finale on Sunday against 1. FC Kaiserslautern hurts, but is by no means the biggest problem of the billy goats.
The fact that 1. FC Köln is currently once again has a huge power vacuum. Trainer and sports director. At the top is a presidium, from which in autumn this constellation has already been decided. No good conditions for an association that now has to set the course for a successful future.
Presidium without backing
The outgoing President Werner Wolf recently emphasized: “The board is a board member until the members have elected another team. Until then, the club is fully able to act.” But even if this is formally correct, the current situation in reality harbors a number of risks.
The President of 1. FC Cologne: Werner Wolf
This shows the extremely slow successor search for Markus Rejek in the field of marketing. On the one hand, it is difficult to convince suitable candidates from FC if it has not yet been determined under which board they will work in the future. On the other hand, there is at least a certain skepticism on the part of the membership, whether the reigning presidium, which has now worn out six coaches, five managing directors and one sports director in its six -year term, is selecting the right person this time.
What’s next with Kessler?
And that’s a comparatively small construction site. We are also looking for a new sports manager, a chief scout and a trainer. So what to do? Is the old presidium a successor for sports director Christian Keller, with whom the new board must live? Or do you continue to rely on Thomas Kessler for the time being? The former goalkeeper worked as a “head of license football” under Keller for three years – accordingly he is seen critically by many.
Even if Kessler had little to say internally, he at least supported the decisions of his supervisor. And to put it carefully, they were not always happy. With his two desired coaches Timo Schultz and Gerhard Struber, Keller was just as successful as with the first transfer period after the self-indebted FIFA lock. Although the 46-year-old took a lot of money in his hand, no newcomers helped the Cologne to the Cologne straight away.
Keller had free hand at FC
In addition, Keller – whose contract had only extended the board five months ago without any need – is not an easy character: Not only Rejek had to go because the chemistry between the two was wrong. Other long-term FC employees were also gradually replaced by old companions.
One who has remained is Kessler. And he will now continue the work of his predecessor. After all, the first contract negotiations are conducted and the first departures have already been determined. It remains to be seen whether Kessler can continue working as a sports director. In any case, he already has a advocate with Funkel: “Thomas brings everything, is empathetic, comes across well and creates a good atmosphere at the office. I see someone who can have a leading role at FC in the coming years.”
But no matter how the decision turns out, it should be hit quickly. In addition to the squad planning, it is also important to fill the body of the trainer promptly. The personnel carousel is likely to pick up speed as soon as the league affiliation of 1. FC Köln has been clarified in the coming season. At least on this point there could be clarity on Sunday afternoon – but many other question marks remain.
