FC Köln Considers Friedhelm Funkel Return or Internal Promotion as Kwasniok Faces Dismissal

According to reports from Sport Bild, relegation-threatened 1. FC Köln is currently evaluating two potential strategies as they prepare to part ways with head coach Lukas Kwasniok. It appears Kwasniok's recent combative and assertive interactions with the media have further alienated the club's management. The German publication suggests that the decision to dismiss the 44-year-old manager has already been made, with the Bundesliga club planning to finalize their next steps during the upcoming March international break.

Köln to Promote Internally?

This season, three other Bundesliga teams—Augsburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Wolfsburg—have opted for internal coaching solutions after dismissing their head coaches. While Manuel Baum at Augsburg and Eugen Polanski at Gladbach are still in their respective roles, Daniel Bauer, who took over at Wolfsburg, has already been relieved of his duties. Köln might be prepared to take a chance on a less experienced candidate.

Kwasniok's position at Köln has been uncertain for quite some time, and Sport Bild indicates that the Domstädter (Köln) have been eyeing assistant coach René Wagner as a potential successor. In contrast to Baum (who was in a front office role), Polanski (from the reserves), and Bauer (also from the reserves), Wagner would be the first assistant coach to be promoted directly this year.

Friedhelm Funkel to Return?

The 72-year-old German coaching veteran not only guided Köln to promotion last year but also successfully kept them from relegation during his interim spell in the 2020/21 season. Funkel had shown considerable eagerness to take on the Köln role last season, even expressing to reporters his desire to stay at the helm of die Geißböcke (the Billy Goats) in the top division.

However, talks to appoint Funkel permanently collapsed last summer, which ultimately led to Kwasniok getting his initial Bundesliga managerial position. Should Funkel return, it would mark his fourth overall tenure coaching the cathedral city club and his third within the last five years.

Is Either Option Likely?

Both potential appointments present challenges: Wagner might still feel a sense of loyalty to Kwasniok, and Funkel could (understandably) still harbor some bitterness about not securing a permanent role last year. The latter issue, however, could likely be resolved without much difficulty.

Therefore, Funkel's return appears to be a strong possibility. Nevertheless, discussions might continue for several days as Köln's management explores other potential candidates. Ultimately, it's possible that neither Funkel nor Wagner will be given the position.