Bundesliga
Pawlak leads the first training session in Cologne – the search for a trainer continues
André Pawlak leads the first training session of the new year at 1.FC Köln. photo
© Marius Becker/dpa
1. FC Köln is still looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Steffen Baumgart. For the time being, his current assistant will lead the training for the second-to-last team in the table.
1. FC Köln is starting 2024 without a new head coach. As the Bundesliga club announced, André Pawlak will lead the first training session on January 2nd.
The 52-year-old was one of three assistant coaches alongside René Wagner and Kevin McKenna Steffen Baumgart, from whom the penultimate team parted ways on December 21st. The interim solution with Pawlak gives more time in the search for a new head coach. Before the session, sports director Christian Keller wants to comment on the current situation. The new football year begins for FC with the game against 1. FC Heidenheim on January 13th.
Transfer ban for Cologne
Pawlak enjoys a good reputation in Cologne. As a long-time assistant head coach and former U21 coach, he is familiar with the processes at the club. He also led the team back into the Bundesliga after separating from Markus at the beginning of April 2019.
According to “Kicker”, Jaka Cuber Potocnik will also be training with the professionals for the first time. The signing of the youth player in January 2022 earned the FC a transfer ban for the next two transfer periods. His former club Olimpija Ljubljana had accused the Cologne team of inciting the then 16-year-old talent to move and defended themselves against this with FIFA. The Cas International Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the penalty imposed by the world association shortly before Christmas.