Friedhelm Funkel

Friedhelm Funkel took over the professional squad of 1. FC Köln as head coach for the third time in May 2025. It was therefore a return to a familiar place for him. The 71-year-old football coach was already head coach of 1. FC Köln from February 2002 to October 2003 and led the club to promotion to the Bundesliga. He took over FC again in spring 2021 and secured the club's relegation from the Bundesliga in the last six games of the season and the subsequent relegation play-off. He has now returned for the decisive phase of the promotion battle.