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As one of the founding members of the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln were crowned the very first champions of the league in 1963–64. Another title followed in 1977–78 before the club was relegated for the first time in 1998. Since then, Köln have been considered a ‘yo–yo club’–and in 2019, they celebrated their sixth promotion to the first Bundesliga. They are now seeking to maintain their position by winning the relegation play–off.
The team nicknamed “Die Geißböcke” (The Billy Goats)strongly identify with Cologne Carnival, the city’s major cultural event, which shapes their fan culture. Each year, the club participates in the traditional parade on Rose Monday and play in a special edition kit for the occasion.
Background
Founded: 13 February 1948
Club colours: Red–White
Titles:
- German champions: 1961–62
- Bundesliga champions: 1963–64, 1977–78
- Bundesliga 2 champions: 1999–00, 2004–05,2013–14, 2018–19
- DFB–Pokal winners: 1967–68, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1982–83
- StadiumName: RheinEnergie STADION
- Capacity: 46,195
Player to look out for
- Ondrej Duda–a Slovakmidfielderwho also plays for the Slovakia national team
Meet the coach
Friedhelm Funkel was named Head Coach only a few weeks ago for the final six games of the season –a spell that will now be extended by two more games in the relegation play–offs. He can look back at almost 50 years in professional football and has already served as coach of1. FC Köln once before–between February 2002 and October 2003. The 67–year–old brings unmatched experience to the table that will certainly be helpful in the two final games as he seeks to fulfil his last mission at 1. FC Köln.
Special things to know about 1. FC Köln
The club’s nickname “Die Geißböcke” refers to the club’s mascot, a male goat named Hennes after former player Hennes Weißweiler. This dates back to 1950 when a circus presented them with a goat as a carnival joke. Hennesis traditionally at home in the city’s zoo, but present in the arena at every home game. In 2019, the ninth generation of goats since 1950 was introduced as “Hennes IX”.
