Funkel won't continue as Cologne coach after promotion
Cologne coach Friedhelm Funkel reachst ahead of the German second Bundesliga soccer match between FC Nuernberg and FC Cologne at Max Morlock Stadium. Funkel is considering extending his tenure as Cologne coach after the 71-year-old achieved his seventh promotion to the Bundesliga. Daniel Karmann/dpa
Friedhelm Funkel will not continue his tenure as Cologne coach following the Bundesliga promotion, the 71-year-old told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper in an interview publishes on Friday.
The reason for his departure is because he didn't feel like he had support from the majority of the club's board.
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"I would have loved to remain Cologne coach. But unfortunately it doesn't make sense this way," Funkel said.
He stressed that his decision won't change.
"I won't wait another seven to nine days before there is a majority in favour of me or another coach. The people in charge should know me well enough. When you start a new season, you have to feel the greatest possible confidence. Unfortunately, I haven't felt that to the extent that is necessary," the coach said.
Funkel was brought in for the last two games of the season as the Billygoats wobbled, but last Sunday's 4-0 win over Kaiserslautern made them second-tier champions as they went up with SV Hamburg.
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"I have felt a lot of support from the team and the fantastic fans, but things seem to be a little different with the board and with the president. That's a shame, but unfortunately that's the way it is," he said.
Cologne haven't commented on the matter.
After being dismissed by Fortuna Düsseldorf over five years ago, Funkel had announced he would not coach another club. However, he has since returned to Cologne twice and also took charge of Kaiserslautern last season.
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