Even at 70, Friedhelm Funkel still doesn’t want to retire. The experience in Berlin has awakened his desire again.
“That was the last game for 1. FC Kaiserslautern. I can’t say whether it will be the last game of my career,” Funkel said on Sportschau after the narrow 0-1 defeat in the DFB Cup final against Bayer Leverkusen. “I’d like to carry on again at some point.” At the same time, the past three months have taken a lot of energy. I’ll be happy when I can recharge my batteries again from Monday.”
Funkel was torn between pride and joy after his third cup final as a coach, but one detail really annoyed him. “For the third time, a shitty defeat by one goal, and each time against the German champions. I would have liked to play in a final and not against the German champions. It’s extremely difficult to win against them.”
Dream of another final
Maybe he’ll make it to the final again and not play against the German champions, said Funkel with a broad grin. “That’s what I’d like. But I know that not every wish comes true.”
In any case, he opened the door to continuing his coaching career. “The last few weeks have been so much fun for me and the finale has made it even more fun. When I’m recovered and have regained my strength, I can’t rule out doing something again.”
Tips for Kaiserslautern
He has taken “a lot of positives” from the past three months and therefore wants to give FCK some advice. “I hope that the club makes good decisions in the coming weeks in the sporting area. That they hire a coach who suits this club. Who is a bit stubborn, who has his own opinion and who also implements it in his work with the team.” In general, Lautern will have to be more “patient” with a coach in the future.
Impressive career
Funkel has been working in professional football for more than 50 years, first as a player in Kaiserslautern and Uerdingen, then as a coach at eleven clubs. He has played more than 1,400 competitive games as a player and coach. With six promotions, Funkel is considered the most successful second division coach.
