Official: Steffen Baumgart appointed new FC Köln coach
Steffen Baumgart will succeed Friedhelm Funkel as FC Köln coach ahead of next season.
FC Köln have announced that Steffen Baumgart will take over as coach from the start of the 2021/22 season.
The 49-year-old, who is out of contract with 2. Bundesliga outfit SC Paderborn this summer, will succeed Friedhelm Funkel at RheinEnergieStadion after signing a deal until 2023.
"We are very pleased that Steffen Baumgart decided to join 1. FC Köln. He has put in some outstanding work in Paderborn over the past few years," said FC Köln managing director Horst Heldt.
"He has shown that he can develop and improve players no matter what age they are. Therefore, he is the right man for the way in which we have to go in the coming years. He is also an emotional leader, who fits well to FC."
Baumgart commented:
"After over four years in Paderborn, it was time for a change for me. The talks with the board at FC were trusting and open. I am looking forward to my new challenge in Köln next season. It is one that I will give my full energy to, together with the entire club, the team and all the fans."