Would be fourth oldest BL coach
© Imago
According to a media report, Friedhelm Funkel should not continue as a coach of 1. FC Köln. In the committees of the Bundesliga promoted, there is a majority for a new trainer, reported “Sky” with reference to club circles. Funkel had led the Cologne residents back to first class with two victories in the last two season games.
After his seventh Bundesliga climbing, the 71-year-old said: “I am open to everything. (…) The question is not easy to answer. Everyone knows how I stand to this club. I was a coach for the third time. It was incredibly fun. The FC has not yet officially commented on the sparkle.
In any case, Funkel would have secured the support in the team. Defender Dominique Heintz said on the last matchday on the “Sky” microphone about the coach, which was only set before the 33rd matchday: “Friedhelm has set us perfectly. This calm, which he brings in. This is simply insane. I wouldn’t mind if he stays with us for another year.” From the last two games, Funkel won two victories with FC and also overtook the HSV on the way to the title.
Should Funkel continue in Cologne, he would become the fourth oldest coach in Bundesliga history on the first matchday at the age of 71. Only Jupp Heynckes were even older at the age of 73 at FC Bayern, Otto Rehhagel with 73 at Hertha BSC 2012 and Fred Schulz, who died in 1990. Werder Bremen coaches the record holder in 1977/78 at the age of 74.