Austrian manager Struber set to help 1 FC Köln regain momentum.

Second-tier German league matches - Austrian manager Struber set to help 1 FC Köln regain momentum.

For the past seven years, a fellow Austrian has been tapped to lead 1. FC Köln on a journey back to Germany's main league, the Bundesliga. This time, it's Gerhard Struber who's been chosen to steer the first division team away from their relegation status. On Wednesday, the Cologne club confirmed the appointment of the 47-year-old, who had previously worked at Red Bull Salzburg but was let go in April.

In a tone filled with enthusiasm, Struber commented, "I'm eager to dive right into the FC world and work towards our goals as quickly and deeply as possible."

Despite their transfer ban, FC Köln aims for instant promotion. The mood around the club just a few weeks ago was grim, with rumors swirling that several key players would leave following relegation. However, only one key player from the first team, Justin Diehl, has moved on to VfB Stuttgart. The fate of captain Florian Kainz remains up in the air. The team may be holding out hope that Struber's arrival will convince him to stick around.

Struber is the third Austrian coach to lead 1. FC Köln, following Ernst Ocwirk in the early 70s and Peter Stöger from 2013 to 2017. Christian Keller, the club's business manager, praised Struber's suitability for the job, citing his ability to integrate the FC game style and his expertise in nurturing young talent.

With the transfer ban in place, developing home-grown players is crucial for the club. This season, Fayssal Harchaoui, who won the U17 world title, and Julian Pauli were both given professional deals. Mark Uth and Rasmus Carstensen also waived their departure clauses and plan to stay. Additionally, Jan Thielmann, Eric Martel, and Timo Hübers will continue to play for the team.

During his time with Red Bull Salzburg, Struber learned the ins and outs of Red Bull football through the youth academy and their second team, FC Liefering. He also had stints at Wolfsberger AC and FC Barnsley in the English second league.

Training will begin on June 24, and Struber's official introduction is slated for the same day. He's looking forward to starting his journey with FC Köln, revealing, "I'm approaching this task with great anticipation and many positive thoughts."

Read also:

1. Gerhard Struber, the Austrian manager chosen to help 1 FC Köln regain momentum in Bundesliga 2, is excited to dive into the FC world.
2. Despite a transfer ban, FC Köln, with Struber as their new coach, aims for an instant promotion to the Bundesliga.
3. Florian Kainz, the team's captain, is currently in a tentative situation, with FC Köln hoping that Struber's arrival will convince him to stay.
4. Christian Keller, the club's business manager, praised Struber's suitability for the job, citing his ability to integrate the FC game style and nurture young talent.
5. Struber, previously with FC Red Bull Salzburg, has experience in developing talent, having learned the ins and outs of Red Bull football through the youth academy and FC Liefering.
6. In light of the transfer ban, FC Köln relies on home-grown talent, with players like Fayssal Harchaoui, Julian Pauli, Mark Uth, Rasmus Carstensen, and others remaining committed to the team.
7. Leading up to the 2021/2022 season, Struber will begin training on June 24, and his official introduction to FC Köln is scheduled the same day.

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