The situation at the Geißbockheim in Cologne comes to a head shortly before Christmas. After the separation from Steffen Baumgart and the serious CAS ruling, the board and management ruled out resignation.
“Of course it was a pitch-black day,” said Cologne President Werner Wolf on Friday at a specially called press conference. The FC first announced its separation from Baumgart on Thursday, then a little later the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed the transfer ban that FIFA had previously imposed.
Those responsible for the 1. FC Cologne asked the questions one day after this double blow. Wolf and sports director Christian Keller first expressed their thanks to Steffen Baumgart.
Basement, cellar: “Community Completion”
Keller repeatedly spoke of a “joint termination” of the collaboration with Baumgart. Discussions had already taken place weeks ago: “Steffen’s great strength is his emotionality and impulsiveness. If this impulsiveness or emotionality is not confirmed from the outside with results, it is clear that questioning begins.”
After the 2-0 defeat at Union Berlin, discussions intensified. “Steffen told us that it is difficult for him to lead in the current situation.” As a result, they decided together to separate: “It was clear to us that if the absolute conviction was no longer there, that we would go our separate ways,” said Keller.
The search for a trainer has not yet started
According to Keller, it is still completely open how the coaching question will proceed. The 47-year-old announced that he would “start the search for a coach now.” It has not yet been decided whether an internal or external solution will be sought. However, it is clear that the coaching candidates have to meet a certain requirement profile: “We have a clear game idea that was implemented under Steffen. This game idea should not change. Accordingly, we have to find a coach who fits this game idea.”
In addition to identifying with the club and the city, the future coach must above all have the ability to integrate and develop young players. If “we do not succeed in meeting this target profile,” Keller explained when asked, a short-term “option” could initially be possible instead of a long-term solution.
CAS judgment is effective upon delivery
According to managing director Philipp Türoff, there is no option to take legal action against the CAS ruling. The verdict “that was placed under our Christmas tree is a very harsh verdict that we did not expect. We are convinced that the player has been effectively dismissed,” said Türoff.
Theoretically, the people of Cologne now have the opportunity to lodge a complaint with the Swiss Federal Court for procedural reasons. However, there are “relatively slim chances” of success, said Türoff. Therefore, the club is currently not expecting to go this route, but will not “reject it completely.”
Keller sticks to the team
In sporting terms, this means: Cologne is not allowed to register any new players in the next two transfer periods. The conviction that the current squad could maintain the class in the Bundesliga was still clearly felt by those responsible on Friday. “The squad has to believe in itself,” said Keller.
The club has also been preparing for the possible verdict since the summer. “Almost all top performers” have a contract that extends beyond the season. The playing style in the U21 has been adapted to that of the professionals for a long time and five players were loaned out in the summer. They should come back next summer and strengthen FC straight away.
Keller is optimistic
“We have a solid foundation, a good foundation. What is important is that we sort ourselves out and then we have to deal with it. We can only do this if we work closely together and stick together,” said President Wolf.
Keller’s attitude, in particular, was clear to see on Friday. The setbacks are serious, but we are looking forward. “If we see the chance to take steps forward, then it can be successful. The team will believe that it will work,” Keller said optimistically to the fans.
