Bundesliga relegation
Open questions: Challenges await 1. FC Köln
The Cologne players leave the pitch with hanging heads after the defeat in Heidenheim. photo
© Harry Langer/dpa
After the relegation, those responsible at 1. FC Köln announced that they would come to terms with the situation. What’s next for coach Schultz? How is the solidarity with the fans supposed to work? There’s a lot of work to be done.
Christian Keller, visibly upset, asked for time. He was immediately after the seventh descent of the 1. FC Cologne from the Bundesliga wasn’t ready to talk about urgent decisions, the sports director said: “Let’s just do it. That just hurts now.”
Coach Timo Schultz was also “not in the mood to draw a huge conclusion” after the final 4-1 defeat at 1. FC Heidenheim. The 46-year-old is likely to be one of the major personal details that will be discussed by those responsible during the review. What’s next for him? What is the economic situation like after relegation? What challenges await?
Trainer
At the beginning of January, Timo Schultz started as the successor and blatant alternative to Steffen Baumgart. In 18 games, the quiet Lower Saxony scored 17 points and provided a little more stability. He declared early on that he was willing to stay even in the event of relegation. He received support from Captain Florian Kainz. “The coach came into a very difficult situation. He did a good job, even if we were relegated,” said the Austrian. Keller announced open and constructive discussions.
Transfer ban
After the signing of Jaka Cuber Potocnik, the Cologne team was accused by his club Olimpija Ljubljana of inciting the talent to move. FIFA sentenced FC to a transfer ban. He wasn’t allowed to sign any players in the winter and won’t be allowed to do so next summer either. Possible departures of top performers such as Davie Selke, goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe or Luca Waldschmidt could not be compensated for at first. “It’s just an extremely difficult situation when you don’t know which squad you have available,” said Kainz. At least the loaned players Jonas Urbig, Tim Lemperle, Mathias Oelsen, Nikola Soldo and Marvin Obuz will return from the 2nd and 3rd leagues.
fans
The numerous supporters who had traveled with them shouted angrily at the dejected players: “We are from Cologne and you are not.” The difficult transition into the curve worried Kainz and his teammates. Keller was also heavily criticized for implementing the austerity measures that had been decided upon. The Cologne team, who were unable to compensate for the free transfer losses of top performers such as ex-captain Jonas Hector and Ellyes Skhiri, must regain lost credit. “The support was phenomenal throughout the season – without us being able to justify it or pay it back,” said Keller.
Economic situation
Sales will be significantly lower due to the relegation – that’s for sure. “We will also be in a position in the 2nd league to cover the pending liabilities that were accumulated during the pandemic and the maturities, especially the fan bond from 2016 and the state guarantee, which has to be repaid by another quarter. to serve,” said Keller, who wants to push ahead with consolidation despite the relegation and stay with the club himself.