1. FC Köln have set the sails for the sporting future. Thomas Kessler will take over as Sporting Director on a permanent basis. He has signed a contract until 2027. The decision was taken by President Dr. Werner Wolf and his Vice Presidents Eckhard Sauren and Dr. Carsten Wettich after discussions with Thomas Kessler and Managing Director Finance and Administration, Philipp Türoff.
President Dr. Werner Wolf spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors: “We are completely convinced that Thomas Kessler is the right man to take on the sporting responsibility on a permanent basis. In the past few intensive weeks, Thomas not only took the right decisions as interim Sporting Director but also showed real leadership qualities, as well as a clear analysis and a deep connection to FC as having superb profile for this challenging task. He has our complete trust to complete the task at hand. His first and most important challenge is to find a new Head Coach, as well as working on the planning for a Bundesliga squad for the new season. He will work together closely Managing Directors.”
Thomas Kessler, 1. FC Köln Sporting Director, said: “I am very pleased to have earned the trust and will take on the task with complete conviction. In the closing stages of the season, there was a real feeling of together in the club and how strong it was at Geißbockheim. This energy, this team spirit and a clear sporting vision are now decisive in order to take the next step. I am convinced that we will be successful together and I am looking forward to taking on the responsibility to actively shape our sporting development.”
Thomas Kessler (39) is a real stalwart at FC. The former goalkeeper made his way through all academy teams at 1. FC Köln and, aside from two one-year loans to FC St. Pauli and Eintracht Frankfurt, was a long-term member of the FC squad. After his active career, he took a role in the backroom staff and was, most recently, Head of Football. That was until Christian Keller and FC parted ways and Kessler took over as Sporting Director.