+++ 2. Bundesliga live ticker +++: Funkel to lead Cologne to promotion - first task away in Nuremberg
Funkel is capable of promotion, as he's proven often enough in his career. He now aims to achieve his third successive season in Cologne, having avoided promotion once and relegation once. Live ticker for the match starting at 6:30 p.m.
Whenever 1. FC Köln is in trouble, help usually comes 70 kilometers north in Krefeld. Even in his advanced years, promotion specialist Friedhelm Funkel has lost none of his influence as a coaching guru. Laying a hand, listening, spreading a good vibe, and fostering a sense of community – that's what makes the 71-year-old so popular in Cologne-Sülz.
"For me, this is a bit like coming home," Funkel explained after taking office on Monday – his third at FC since 2002. Around 500 fans came to the Geißbockheim for his coaching comeback before his first game on Friday evening against 1. FC Nuremberg (6:30 p.m./Sky).
The mission is easier and shorter than four years ago, when the Cologne club in crisis already had one foot in the second division. Following the surprising departure of coach Gerhard Struber and sporting director Christian Keller following the disappointing 1-1 draw with relegated Jahn Regensburg, Funkel only needs to maintain second place in the remaining two games and thus secure 1. FC Cologne's return to the Bundesliga. For Funkel, it would be his seventh promotion.
FOCUS
