By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

FC Köln expect 'difficult' relegation play-off tie against Holstein Kiel

FC Köln expect two tough games against Holstein Kiel.
Friedhelm Funkel.
Friedhelm Funkel.Photo: GEPA Pictures/Roger Petzsche
FC Köln coach Friedhelm Funkel has looked ahead to his side's upcoming two-legged relegation play-off tie against Holstein Kiel.

After finishing third in the 2. Bundesliga, Holstein Kiel will be travelling to the RheinEnergieSTADION for the first leg on Wednesday, with the second game to be played at Holstein-Stadion on Saturday. The winner will play in the Bundesliga next season.

“Kiel are a team that are very good on the ball, who have already shown that they can beat Bundesliga teams this season. That was the case against Bayern in the Pokal," said Funkel on his side's upcoming opponents, who made it to the semi-finals of this year's DFB-Pokal.

"In Ole Werner, they have a very good, young coach who has got the most out of his team this season. That will be two difficult games,” added Funkel.
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