2nd league
FCK coach Funkel is relying on solidarity in the relegation battle
For Friedhelm Funkel, one goal is to strengthen solidarity with the fans in the next games. photo
© Werner Schmitt/dpa
Friedhelm Funkel faces a difficult mission in Kaiserslautern. He wants to lead them to success together with the players and fans.
“The majority of our training sessions will be public. I think that the fan must have the opportunity to see the players and the team,” announced the new coach of the second division soccer team, which is threatened with relegation, during his introduction.
“I always tell my players how great it is when you can make people happy with your autograph. For me it’s important that you also have contact with the fans during training,” emphasized the 70-year-old football teacher .
Internally, Funkel is also setting out a new route for the Palatinate team, who have fallen back to 16th place in the table after 21 match days. “We all have to do a lot to ensure that we are successful in the next games. I have always been a team player. We have to do this as a team,” said Funkel, who is signed until the end of the season. He is an open and very communicative coach who also takes the players on board. “I’ve done well with that over the last 30 years,” said Funkel.
One goal in the next games is to strengthen solidarity with the supporters. “If we deliver on the pitch and go into the game with fire, then we will create euphoria among the fans. It has always been like that here in Kaiserslautern,” said Funkel and added: “People want to see that the team is fighting and gives everything in terms of running.” Funkel will make his debut on the FCK bench on Sunday (1.30 p.m./Sky) in the away game at 1. FC Nürnberg.