Christian Keller, as the new sporting director of 1. FC Köln, sees himself faced with a challenging task.
“The challenges are great due to the effects of the pandemic and of course have an impact on sport and what is possible and not possible in squad planning,” said the 43-year-old on Monday at his presentation in the cathedral city.
Squad planning is a “year-round process,” said Keller, who indirectly announced imminent transfers: “I know what has been prepared. I’ve already spoken to the scouting department. Now it’s about converting the preliminary work into decisions.”
Until the end of October 2021, Keller was the sole managing director of the second division club Jahn Regensburg. “After eight and a half years in Regensburg, the break in the past few months was important for me. Identifying with the club and my job is important to me,” said Keller.
New job for Jörg Jakobs at 1. FC Köln
Jörg Jakobs, who had been responsible for the sport on an interim basis since the dismissal of Horst Heldt at the end of May 2021, is to remain with the club.
“Jörg will remain in our sports competence team and we will discuss together over the next few weeks how we can continue to integrate him operationally,” said club president Werner Wolf.
1. FC Köln “very satisfied” with the season so far
One of the most important contacts at 1. FC Köln for Keller is of course head coach Steffen Baumgart.
“There was already an exchange with Steffen Baumgart,” emphasized the sports director, “we had a longer exchange in December last year and met. We spoke on the phone last week. From now on we will definitely be in contact every day.”
FC can be “very satisfied” with the performance so far this season. With the new style of play, the coaching staff have managed to “develop individual players”.