Friedhelm Funkel declines Köln head coaching position, Christian Titz now leading candidate | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Friedhelm Funkel has officially turned down an offer to coach FC Köln in the Bundesliga next season. The legendary German head coach was brought in on a short-term basis to help die Geißböcke ensure promotion. A 4-0 win over FC Kaiserslautern on the 2. Bundesliga’s final matchday helped Köln achieve promotion to the German top flight as second division champions.

A long term commitment to the cathedral city club never seemed likely for the 71-year-old. In point of fact, it was during Funkel’s last short-term stint coaching Köln (during the spring 2021 relegation race) that a then 66-year-old Funkel famously admitted that he was tiring out and had to take naps between training sessions.

Funkel appeared to be retired for good until Kaiserslautern hired him in February 2024 to help them avoid relegation from the 2. Bundesliga. Funkel achieved his goal, also helping Lautern reach the DFB-Pokal Final. At his post match press conference after narrowly losing the cup to Bayer Leverkusen, Funkel spoke of a “new energy”.

The rush of leading Köln to success in what was his third turn at coaching the Domstädter apparently infused Funkel withstill more energy. He strongly hinted that he might accept an offer to lead the team next year. According to Kicker, however, the decision has been made to part company.

Köln’s new sporting director Thomas Kessler (Christian Keller was fired alongside head coach Gerhard Struber some two weeks ago) may need some time to find a new figure to work the bench. Kessler may not end up being the permanent new sporting director. A new board is also due to be elected in September.

Former Union Berlin head coach Urs Fischer has been linked with the job. Kicker nevertheless reports that former Hamburger SV and current 1. FC Magdeburg head coach Christian TItz is the leading candidate at the moment.

Titz kept Magdeburg in the promotion hunt this season and guided the FCM to a fifth-place finish.

GGFN | Peter Weis