In a dramatic turn of events, 1. FC Köln has confirmed the dismissal of head coach Gerhard Struber and sports director Christian Keller, effective immediately. This decision was announced on Monday, May 5, 2025, following a disappointing draw against Jahn Regensburg that saw the team lose its lead in the 2. Bundesliga standings.
The club's president, Werner Wolf, explained the necessity of this change, stating, "Our decision is the result of a thorough analysis of the sporting development in recent weeks. Given the still significant chance for direct promotion, we must do everything to seize this opportunity." With only two matches left in the season, the pressure is on for the team to regain its momentum.
Taking over the reins as interim head coach is the experienced Friedhelm Funkel, who previously led the club during challenging times, including a successful relegation battle in 2021. Funkel has signed a contract until the end of the season, with the possibility of extending it should the team secure promotion. He expressed his commitment to the club, saying, "The FC is and remains a matter of the heart for me. From now on, it is about mobilizing everything for the remaining two games, rediscovering faith in our own strength, and achieving promotion together."
Funkel will be joined by Matthias Lust as his co-trainer, who has previously worked with him during their time at Kaiserslautern in 2024. The duo will aim to motivate the players and stabilize the team as they head into crucial fixtures against 1. FC Nürnberg and Kaiserslautern.
The decision to part ways with Keller, who had been in charge since April 2022, marks the end of a tumultuous period for the club. Keller was instrumental in navigating the team through various challenges, but ultimately, the board felt a change was necessary to revitalize the squad's performance. Keller expressed his gratitude towards the fans and the club, stating, "I wish the entire FC, especially our team and all our employees, only the best and am convinced that promotion to the Bundesliga will succeed."
Struber, reflecting on his departure, said, "I have often spoken of a marathon that we have to walk together during the season. How tough this race is for all teams is shown by the table situation. Now, with the finish line in sight and with us still in contention, this decision hurts particularly." He had been tasked with leading the team back to the Bundesliga after their relegation in 2024, but recent performances fell short of expectations.
Following the disappointing 1-1 draw against Jahn Regensburg, the board felt that new impulses were needed. Wolf emphasized that the team must focus on their own strengths in the final games, rather than relying on the results of their competitors. Currently, the team sits just three points above their closest rivals, SV Elversberg and SC Paderborn, who are both in striking distance.
The imminent press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. on May 5, 2025, will feature President Werner Wolf, new Sports Director Thomas Kessler, and Funkel, where further insights into the club's direction will be shared. Kessler, who has previously been involved in the club's player planning, will now lead the sporting direction alongside Managing Director Philipp Türoff. He expressed his commitment to the role, stating, "I feel both a high sense of responsibility and great motivation to work together with everyone involved around our team to focus on our common goal."
As the club prepares for the final stretch of the season, the focus will be on harnessing the experience of Funkel and Lust to drive the team forward. With the stakes higher than ever, the coming matches will be crucial in determining whether Köln can secure their place in the Bundesliga for the next season.
Funkel, who holds the record for the most promotions to the Bundesliga as a coach, is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He has previously led teams to success in similar scenarios, and his return is seen as a beacon of hope for the fans and players alike.
With the clock ticking down on the season, all eyes will be on the Geißböcke as they look to regain their form and achieve their ultimate goal of promotion. The upcoming matches against Nürnberg and Kaiserslautern will not only test the team's resolve but also Funkel's ability to inspire and lead them back to the top.
In this time of upheaval, the club is hopeful that the changes will spark a revival and propel them towards a successful conclusion to the season. The journey is far from over, and the excitement surrounding the potential for a dramatic finish is palpable among the supporters.
