1. FC Cologne Bundesliga
Podolski and club legend Prestin are demanding consequences after 1. FC Köln’s relegation
Status: 20.05.2024 | Reading time: 2 minutes
The club management of 1. FC Köln came under criticism after relegation. Club legend Lukas Podolski expressed his dissatisfaction with the structures. Former player Dieter Prestin, double winner in 1978, even announced measures if there were no resignations.
The former Cologne professionals Lukas Podolski and Dieter Prestin have sharply criticized those responsible at 1. FC Cologne after their relegation from the Bundesliga and are calling for personnel and structural consequences. “There is a lot of frustration now, some people will only really realize what happened in the coming days. And there are many questions: Will those responsible remain? Should and can they stay at all?” said world champion Podolski to the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”.
The 38-year-old, who has never ruled out returning to FC in whatever role, is primarily calling for structural changes. “At FC there are simply too many people involved in the decisions. People who have little or no knowledge of professional football. The circle of decision-makers is simply too large. “The FC would rather need a small group of maybe three or four people who make smart decisions quickly and efficiently,” said Podolski. “Of course things can’t go on like this. Something has to change.”
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Podolski wanted to help
Podolski left it open whether he could help himself. “My willingness would certainly be greater if I had been wanted and allowed earlier. But in the past my help was not wanted much. I can only guess what the reasons were: envy? Resentment? The fear that I could take away the sunshine from those responsible and put them in the shadows? I don’t know,” said the 130-time national player, who is currently active with Gornik Zabrze in the Polish league.
The Cologne double winner from 1978, Dieter Prestin, is primarily calling for personnel changes and would be willing to take on responsibility with a team. “We are seriously considering requesting an extraordinary general meeting if the club leadership does not take responsibility on its own,” said Prestin (67) to the “Stadt-Anzeiger”.
Won the double with FC 46 years ago: Dieter Prestin (right)
Quelle: picture alliance/United Archives/Werner Otto
The relegation was deserved and the product of a failure by the club’s management. “The members and fans I talk to only want one thing: a fresh start. Those responsible should draw conclusions and clear the way,” demanded Prestin.
