After intensive discussions, the Board, the Managing Directors, the Sport Competence Team and the Joint Committee of 1. FC Köln have decided that Achim Beierlorzer will remain head coach. He should turn things around, together with the team, against TSG Hoffenheim.

Dear FC members, dear fans,

in all seriousness: the sporting situation and results of the past weeks are absolutely disappointing. We see problems; we face them and approach them.

The Board began with the goal to establish 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga for the long term. That won’t happen immediately or overnight. Therefore, we need togetherness and time. We have made many standard decisions.

The current situation has been deeply analysed in detailed discussions with the Managing Directors, the sporting competence team and the joint committee. Together, we came to the conclusion that we wanted to give our head coach, Achim Beierlorzer our trust. The Managing Directors and Sport Competence Team are convinced, that the team and coaching staff can turn things around against Hoffenheim and we are completely behind that. That football is about results is clear.

Discussion over the successor to Armin Veh

At the same time, we are pushing ahead with the reorganisation in the sports sector. Armin Veh informed us a few weeks ago about his decision not to be available beyond June 30th 2020. We used this time with the Sport Competence Team and the Joint Committee. We worked out the requirements for the new sporting Managing Director and commissioned a recruitment consultancy with the search for the successor to Armin Veh. A pre-selection of candidates has already been made.

We will keep you update, but not with constant open statements. We are convinced, that FC progresses when everyone pulls together behind the scenes and as much as possible stay behind the scenes until decisions are made.

The sporting situation is not easy, and we’re not underestimating the current situation. We’re working hard to make sure FC reaches the goals. And we stand with our team and hope for your full support.

The Board of 1. FC Köln