Friedhelm Funkel Anticipates Clash of Former Clubs: Support for Köln

In the upcoming match of the 2. Bundesliga, former coach Friedhelm Funkel is expressing his support for 1. FC Köln as they prepare to face Hertha BSC, two clubs he has previously managed. Funkel, who has a long history with Köln, acknowledges his fondness for the club, stating that he hopes for a positive outcome in this crucial encounter.

The match is scheduled for Saturday at 20:30 (local time), and it holds significant implications for both teams. Köln currently leads the league, putting them in a strong position for promotion back to the Bundesliga, while Hertha finds itself struggling in the lower half of the table.

Funkel, who managed Hertha from October 2009 to the summer of 2010, reflects on his time in Berlin as enjoyable but emphasizes the urgency of Köln's situation. He believes that the team needs the points more urgently to secure their place in the top tier for the next season. Funkel suggests that a win for Köln would be beneficial, with hopes that Hertha can perform well in their subsequent matches.

The current standings highlight Köln's dominance as they sit at the top of the table with seven games remaining. Funkel had earlier predicted that both Köln and Hamburger SV would ascend to the Bundesliga, citing their superior squad depth as a key factor in their success.

Conversely, Funkel anticipated better results for Hertha, expecting them to be among the top six teams in the league. Instead, they are currently positioned in the mid-table and struggling to find stability. Funkel stresses the importance of restoring calm within the club as they navigate this challenging phase.

Stefan Leitl, the current head coach of Hertha, who took over in February, has been endorsed by Funkel for his capabilities and potential to lead the team back to the Bundesliga. The upcoming match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both clubs having distinct motivations at this critical juncture of the season.