German top-tier football league - Separating from Schultz: 1. FC Köln searches for a new manager.
At 1. FC Köln, there's no new player recruitment following their seventh relegation, but there is a new coach. Five months ago, Timo Schultz was seen as the promising candidate to replace Steffen Baumgart in the fight against relegation. However, it's now come to an end for him as well. His contract, set to expire on June 30, won't be extended amicably.
Christian Keller, the club's business manager, spoke about their recent discussions regarding the second half of the season and the need for fresh ideas in the coaching staff. Keller himself has been receiving criticism for his squad planning and their recent transfer ban imposed by FIFA.
Schultz, the previous coach of FC St. Pauli and FC Basel, couldn't improve Cologne's performance in the second half of the season. In fact, the FC managed only three wins in 18 games under Schultz. He was unable to instill a winning mentality in the team. These factors contributed to his departure.
With Schultz gone, the search for the eighth coach since their promotion in 2019 continues. FC co-trainers André Pawlak and Kevin McKenna will also leave the team. The club aims to have the new coaching staff in place by the start of preparations.
Eckhard Sauren, the FC vice president, talked frankly with the "Express". He explained that they have sufficient time before training starts on June 21. When asked about the type of coach they're looking for, Sauren said, "One who can get us into the Bundesliga quickly."
However, reaching the Bundesliga may prove challenging for the Rhinelanders, who face several issues. Many of their best players might depart, and they won't be able to sign new players because of the ongoing transfer ban.
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- Despite the challenges, 1st FC Cologne, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, commence their search for a replacement for Steffen Baumgart, with Christian Keller leading the discussions.
- In the Bundesliga, the separation from Timo Schultz, previously of FC St. Pauli and FC Basel, marks the seventh coach change for 1st FC Cologne since their promotion in 2019.
- The departure of Schultz, along with co-trainers André Pawlak and Kevin McKenna, has left a void in the team that the club aims to fill before their June 21 training resumption.
- With the ongoing transfer ban imposed by FIFA, Christian Keller and the 1st FC Cologne leadership face an uphill battle in recruiting new talent to boost their struggling squad.
- As the club strives for a swift return to the Bundesliga, the 1st FC Cologne fans and management will be closely watching the progress of the new coach hired to lead the team into the future.
Source: www.stern.de
