Friedhelm Funkel returns to FC Koln for third stint as head coach

The 71-year-old German, originally from Neuss, returns to manage the club for the third time, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in steering struggling teams to safety.

Funkel is well known to Koln supporters, having played a pivotal role in the club's survival during the 2020/21 Bundesliga campaign.

He now takes charge again, this time with Koln battling in the 2. Bundesliga, as the club looks to arrest its current decline and push for a more stable finish to the season.

"I wasn't anticipating it but, in football, things that one never thought possible do occur. Even I didn't think it possible until yesterday. It's a really good feeling," said Funkel.

Renowned for his ability to lift underperforming sides, Funkel has coached ten different German clubs across a storied career.

His longest and perhaps most notable tenure came at Fortuna Düsseldorf, where he remained until his departure in January 2020 while the team was still in the Bundesliga.

Most recently, Funkel was in charge of FC Kaiserslautern, where he once again showcased his rescue credentials.

Under his leadership, FCK avoided relegation to the 3. Liga and reached the DFB Pokal final, narrowly losing to Bayer Leverkusen.

Koln fans will hope that Funkel's experience and pragmatic style can provide much-needed stability in the coming months.