Struber: Promotion with FC Köln is within reach!

Struber: Promotion with FC Köln is within reach!

Gerhard Struber, the new head coach of 1. FC Köln, has made remarkable progress with the team in recent weeks. Since taking office in the second Bundesliga, FC has shown a positive trend, winning three of its last four games, most recently a 2-2 draw against Hannover 96. In an interview with the Crown newspaper Struber said: “We have played our way out of this valley and created a system that gives us security again.” FC Cologne is currently in seventh place in the league, just one point behind the direct promotion spot.

Difficult times and new challenges

Before his time in Cologne, Struber worked for FC Red Bull Salzburg, where he was released in April 2023 after a creative crisis. Under his leadership, the club experienced a challenging phase, which was characterized by a period of weakness and a cup elimination against SK Sturm Graz. “My children were bullied in the stadium,” reflected Struber, looking back on the “difficult time” in Salzburg. His stint with the Bulls ended with the team now in seventh place in the Bundesliga, compared to his time when they held top spot.

Struber, who is also familiar with up-and-coming talent in development, sees his role at FC as challenging, but has great joy and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead. “I want to get to know FC as quickly as possible in order to achieve our goals,” explained Struber, promising to bring positive energy and hard work to the team. The 2024-25 season promises to be exciting for FC under his leadership as the team prepares for the DFB Cup round of 16 against Hertha BSC.