06-05-2025
Funkel sees Cologne commitment ahead of two-game promotion spurt
Cologne's new coach Friedhelm Funkel leaves the training ground after the team's traning ahead of Friday's German second Bundesliga soccer match against Nuernberg. Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa
New Cologne coach Friedhelm Funkel watched his first training session back at the club on Tuesday and said he was pleased to see "pace" and "fun" from his players.
Funkel, 71, was brought in for a third stint to try to shepherd the second-tier side back to the Bundesliga after fans and the board lost faith with Gerhard Struber after a defeat and draw in their last two games.
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The Billygoats are three points clear in an automatic promotion spot with two games to go.
"It was really, really good. The players were very committed," Funkel said in a club video.
"There was a lot of pace. It was a bit of fun - what I expect and demand from the team."
As it stands, the veteran is only in charge for Friday's trip to Nuremberg and the season-ender at home to Kaiserslautern on May 18.
