1. FC Köln has appointed Timo Schultz as the new head coach for their men’s first team. Schultz, 46, who previously coached FC Basel in Switzerland and FC St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga from 2020 to 2022, will lead his first training session at Geißbockheim on Thursday morning. He will begin preparations for the first home game of 2024 against 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday, January 13th.
Christian Keller, FC Managing Director, stated: “We face a significant challenge in the coming days, weeks, and months to stay in the Bundesliga. We are thrilled that Timo Schultz will lead us through this challenge. He has the personality and competence to enhance our squad’s performance potential. With complete conviction and collective effort alongside Timo Schultz, we believe we can remain in the Bundesliga.”
Timo Schultz expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “I am excited about this challenging opportunity with a fantastic, traditional club. We will work hard and intensively in the coming weeks to secure the necessary results. FC belongs in the Bundesliga, and I am 100% convinced we can stay up.”
Born on August 26, 1977, in Wittmund, Niedersachsen, Schultz began his playing career at Werder Bremen’s youth academy and spent most of his playing days with FC St. Pauli. Transitioning into coaching, he served as an assistant coach to André Schubert, Michael Frontzeck, Roland Vrabec, and Thomas Meggle at FC St. Pauli before becoming head coach of their youth academy. Schultz then led the second division side FC St. Pauli as head coach for the 2020-21 season, achieving a 10th place finish and avoiding relegation. In his second season, the team finished fifth.
