FC Köln: From cellar to leaders - the key to the turn!

FC Köln: From cellar to leaders - the key to the turn!

FC Köln has taken a significant turn under coach Gerhard Struber. The team has been pursuing a more defensive approach since a half series, and this change already has an effect. After the 27th matchday, FC Köln sensationally occupied the first place in the table. This gratifying development comes after a difficult phase: in October the FC stayed in twelfth and was seven points from the relegation place and only four points in front of a relegation zone. In the meantime, the team has made the leap to the top, a remarkable promotion from twelfth to first place since the 10th matchday.

The impressive statistics show the unexpected success of the Cologne. In the last 17 games, the FC 38 out of 51 possible points scored, won 12 games and lost only 3. This form would bring 76 points in a full season, which would be a record for a second division. For comparison: Hamburger SV and 1. FC Kaiserslautern only achieved 31 points in the same period. The key to this success lies on the stable defensive. FC Köln received only 12 goals in the 17 games, which is an outstanding performance in the league, followed by SC Prussia Münster with 17 goals.

defensive stability versus offensive weakness

The change from a four-to-four chain under Struber is one of the most striking changes in the team tactics of 1. FC Köln. This defensive strategy has led to a noticeable stability, but also tasted an offensive power. An example of this is the draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf, where the FC won more game shares and most of the duels, but still broadcast little risk of scoring. The last minutes of the game were particularly unhappy when the equalization was shortly before the final whistle.

A comparison of the statistics of the first thirds of the season shows that Cologne developed 16 major chances in the first half of the season, but only three in the second half of the season. This is also reflected in the Expected Goals (XGoals): While FC achieved an XGOALS value of around 18 in the first half of the season, it fell to only 7.4 in the second half of the season. The shots on the gate also went back from 135 in the first half of the season to 76 in the second half of the season, which makes the difficulties on the offensive clear.

The way to optimize

The tactical realignment shows how crucial a precise tactical analysis is for the success of a team. Trainer Struber uses detailed game analyzes to recognize both strengths and weaknesses of the team and make targeted improvements. Tactical analyzes based on game recordings, statistics and real -time data support the trainer in the strategic preparation for encounters.

The multi -layered process of tactical analysis not only includes preparing and observing the opponents, but also the adaptation during the game and the subsequent analysis of your own performance. Communication between trainers and players is of central importance, especially when it comes to adjustments. This analytical approach is not only crucial for the current season, but also promotes the development of young talents in the club.