FC Köln Poised to Sack Kwasniok, Eyeing Funkel Return or Internal Promotion

Relegation-threatened 1. FC Köln is reportedly on the verge of dismissing head coach Lukas Kwasniok. His recent confrontational interactions with the media are said to have alienated club management, with sources indicating a decision to part ways has already been made. During the upcoming international break, the Bundesliga club plans to finalize its next steps, exploring two primary options for Kwasniok's successor.

Internal Promotion Under Consideration

One avenue being explored is an internal promotion, a strategy adopted by several other Bundesliga clubs this season, including Augsburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Wolfsburg. Köln might take a chance on René Wagner, the current assistant coach. If promoted, Wagner would be the first assistant coach to step up into the head role directly this year, unlike other recent internal promotions which involved reserve team or front-office staff.

Friedhelm Funkel's Potential Return

The club is also contemplating bringing back 72-year-old coaching veteran Friedhelm Funkel. Funkel has a strong and successful history with Köln, having previously steered them away from relegation during the 2020/21 season and later helping them secure promotion. Although he expressed a desire to remain in charge permanently last summer, negotiations unfortunately broke down, leading to Kwasniok's initial appointment. A return now would mark Funkel's fourth tenure with the cathedral city outfit and his third in the last five years.

Assessing the Viability of Both Options

Both potential appointments present unique challenges. Wagner's loyalty to Kwasniok might be a factor, while Funkel could still harbor some residual feelings about not securing a permanent role previously. However, the latter issue is generally considered resolvable. Given Funkel's proven track record and the potential ease of overcoming past disagreements, his return appears to be a strong possibility. Nonetheless, Köln's management may continue to evaluate other candidates over the coming days, meaning neither Funkel nor Wagner is a guaranteed choice for the job.