Football | After promotion to the Bundesliga: Competence vacuum at 1. FC Köln

There was a subtle touch of irony as Torsten Lieberknecht bid farewell to 1. FC Köln, which had just been promoted to the first Bundesliga, with some good advice as they headed off into a night of raucous partying. Kaiserslautern's coach was asked whether he considered his 71-year-old colleague Friedhelm Funkel suitable to lead the club through a successful Bundesliga future. Funkel is "in top shape, there's not an ounce of fat on him, he can party like a beast," Lieberknecht replied. So: "Open the box and hold on tight."

The coaching question

A clever comment at a time when Cologne's fans were finding it difficult to discuss such important issues with clarity after the 4-0 win against Funkel's last club, FCK : Footballers and fans hugged each other and sang the song "Tommi" by AnnenMayKantereit , an anthem full of melancholy and love for a city that has been at the feet of its Friedhelm for two weeks. Because the veteran coach, since his return to the Geißbockheim, has always given the impression of knowing the right solution, relieving the terribly tense team of their fears.

Because Cologne returned to the Bundesliga after two Funkel victories and also became second division champions, the question of whether the coach will continue is not only a professional challenge, but also a matter of heart. He himself would be willing, that much was clear amidst the celebrations on Sunday evening. He first thanked his predecessor Gerhard Struber, who was dismissed two weeks ago, for having "a much larger share" in this success because the league table situation was favorable and "the team was in excellent shape." When asked about his own future aspirations, Funkel replied: "Everyone knows how I feel about this club. I'm open to anything, possibly even to continuing. I can imagine that."

Many questions about the future

This was a clear application that the club's management must now work with. However, it's not entirely clear who is currently making the important future decisions. Thomas Kessler, the former head of the professional players division, has been interim sporting director since the dismissal of sporting director Christian Keller. Above him in the organizational chart is the executive committee, which, however, lacks football expertise and will also have to step down in September because it is not eligible for re-election.

To speak of a power vacuum would be going too far, but a competence vacuum certainly exists. "Starting tomorrow, we'll start thinking about what the future looks like," said President Werner Wolf. Kessler declared that he couldn't say "anything at all" about the coaching question for the time being. He would only say this: "We are incredibly grateful to Friedhelm for having achieved this in the last 14 days. Now we'll see how things go." It's probably wise not to rush into anything at this point, especially since Cologne is a football hub where there's traditionally a very strong need for a great savior. For a man who will rescue the club from its harsh fate and permanently transform it into a Bundesliga team with international ambitions. Wolfgang Overath tried that, Christoph Daum too, Lukas Podolski was the prince who was supposed to make everyone happy. Even Ewald Lienen has been declared "Saint Ewald" here. And now good old Friedhelm?

The financial question

Managing Director Christian Keller, who was dismissed in May along with coach Struber, has led a fight against Cologne's tendency toward irrationality. And he has rehabilitated the club's finances. He recently stated that, if promoted, the club would be financially in a better position to embark on a sustained, successful future than at any time in 35 years. A budget of more than €50 million can be financed without risk next season; the club will be debt-free by 2026, and expensive marketing contracts will also expire. So there's room to intelligently develop the team.

The youth academy is also flourishing: The U19s became German champions just hours before promotion with a spectacular 5:4 win in the final against Leverkusen. Some at the club say the U17s are even better. The Geißbockheim (Geißbockheim) has been modernized, as has the scouting department. It's now unclear who will build on this foundation to achieve sustainable Bundesliga success. Funkel? Kessler? Who will be the new sporting director? And who will the members' council propose for the future executive committee? Good old FC Cologne have been promoted, but once again, they aren't beginning their next Bundesliga chapter as a stable club with clear prospects.