- FC Cologne and coach Timo Schultz have parted ways, with the Bundesliga relegation side announcing on Monday that their partnership will not continue in the 2. Liga. Schultz's contract, who was brought in earlier this year as a fresh hope, ends on June 30, 2024 regardless. His two assistant coaches André Pawlak and Kevin McKenna will also be leaving.
German top-flight league - FC Köln bids farewell to Schultz: succession uncertain
Business manager Christian Keller stated that they've spent a lot of time together discussing the second half of the season and how they could improve. They ultimately agreed that a new set of impulses were needed for the challenging second league season, leading to Schultz's departure.
Schultz, who has previously coached at FC Basel and FC St. Pauli, was unable to turn around Cologne's fortunes in the second half of this season. In 18 games under his tenure, the team managed only three victories and never escaped the relegation zone. "Given we didn't achieve our main objective - staying in the top division - it seems fair and consistent to give someone else a fresh start," said Schultz.
No details have been provided about the new coach. The incoming manager will have a tough task on their hands, with the team set to lose some of their key players. Defensive specialist Jeff Chabot has already signed with VfB Stuttgart. Additionally, due to a FIFA ban on transfers for two periods, the club can only use returning loan players and young talents from their own youth system this summer.
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- Despite being based in North Rhine-Westphalia, 1st FC Cologne has struggled in the Bundesliga, leading to the departure of coach Timo Schultz.
- Kevin Mckenna, one of Schultz's assistant coaches, will also be leaving the club along with the head coach.
- Schultz's departure comes after a disappointing second half of the season for Cologne, during which they managed only three victories in 18 games, never escaping the relegation zone.
- The upcoming 2. Liga season will present a significant challenge for the new coach of 1st FC Cologne, who will be taking over a team that is set to lose key players such as defensive specialist Jeff Chabot, who has already signed with VfB Stuttgart.
Source: www.stern.de
