Max Kofler: Die Revolution

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Since confirming my appointment on 2nd June, it has been a hectic few weeks for everybody involved at the club. I had numerous things I wanted to conclude before the beginning of pre-season later in the month, in which would begin with a home fixture against Bulgarian champions Ludogorets on Wednesday 27th June.

The first of those was to familiarise myself with the backroom staff and make suitable additions to further solidify it. Therefore, the following additions were made: Jens Klaas (Coach), Gerald Kemmer (Physio), Christian Möckel (Scout), Matthias Busam (Head of Sports Science), Peer Jaekel (Chief Scout) and Armande Caudron (Sports Scientist). After such additions were made, I was content with my backroom staff for the forthcoming season.

Next on the agenda was meeting individually with any players who had any concerns. I met with three individuals; Jonas Hector, Jannes Horn and Frederik Sørensen. The trio had all attracted attention from elsewhere and as such, were keen to move on. I was happy to oblige to these requests, noting that no player is bigger than the football club and therefore I had no objections to letting anybody go. With the right fee, a player can be replaced.

Over the next few days, I held negotiations with clubs interested in each player. Bayern Munich were keen on attaining the services of Jonas Hector - a German international who had forty caps to his name - and we were able to agree a fee of £26,500,000. This sum of money would go a long way in helping me capture a number of my own transfer targets over the next couple of months and it was a sum that both parties felt content with.

Elsewhere, Horn and Sørensen departed to join other Bundesliga outfits. Bayern Leverkusen captured the former for £8,000,000 and the Danish centre-half left to join SV Werder Bremen - one of my former clubs - for £4,000,000. This meant we had a wealthy budget to bring in a number of my targets, in which I identified alongside my scouting staff and Director of Football, Armin Veh.

We managed to complete two of these deals prior to our initial pre-season opener. Croatian full-back Karlo Bartolec joined from FC Nordsjælland in Denmark for £2,200,000. The 23-year-old made 55 appearances across two seasons after joining from Lokomotiva in his home-country. He would become our first-choice right-back, ahead of Benno Schmitz.


The second was the loan signing of 23-year-old Mijat Gacinovic from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. The Serbian made 29 appearances last campaign, as Frankfurt recorded an eighth-placed finish and lifted the German Cup, after beating Bayern Munich.

After the departure of head-coach, Niko Kovač - who left to join Bayern Munich - Gacinovic was deemed surplus to requirements by new head-coach Adi Hütter. Having made 64 appearances across three seasons, joining from Serbian side Vojvodina for a fee of £1,100,000, he arrives at the RheinEnergieSTADION with plenty of experience.


Following the home fixture against Ludogorets, we agreed to travel Slovakia to face AS Trencin. This would be followed with a tour around Germany to face Kickers Offenbach, VfR Aalen and TuS Koblenz, prior to a tour of Austria to play Sportverein Horn, Sportverein Austria Salzburg and Wiener Sport-Club.

This would prepare us for our opening set of fixtures for the 2. Bundesliga season. We would begin with an opening day trip to VfL Bochum on 5th August 2018, prior to our first home fixture against 1. FC Union Berlin six days later. Our DFB-Pokal adventure would begin on Sunday 19th August 2018 with a trip to 1.FC Lok Stendal of the NOFV-Oberliga Süd.

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Maguire: Give up on the puns, please. You're a BTEC Justice.

Jack: It seems a beautiful place, judging by pictures and the way the place is described online. You'll have to tell me all about it. I'll do my best in making it last, I'm really enjoying the save - I have to admit. But I think the Podolski half of the deal is unlikely, unfortunately.

LFC: Fingers crossed.

FC Kolns stadium is beautiful, hopefull the results will be too!

Some fairly big departures there with Hector in particular. I'm not sure what your percentage of transfer revenue is but you've only spent a tiny fraction of the Hector money alone which makes me intrigued to see who else you will bring in in the coming weeks. I suspect you will need a replacement for the lost quality in Hector, too.

Some big money coming in for a club in the second division. Good to see some of it already being put to good use on some talented looking youngsters.

Wiener's and Horn's everywhere.... you trying to tell us something?

P.S. BigMaguire move over, I'm the pun master here!

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Köln's pre-season campaign began on Wednesday 27th June against Bulgarian side Ludogorets. This would be Effzeh's only home fixture over the course of pre-season. A second-half double from Claudiu Keșerü for the visitors cancelled out a last minute effort from Simon Terodde, as the hosts were unable to impress in Max Kofler's first game in charge.

A trip to Slovakia followed, as Köln comfortably beat AS Trencin, prior to victories against lower-league German opposition in the form of Offenbach Kickers, VfR Aalen and TuS Koblenz, scoring eleven goals over the four games without reply.

Pre-season was concluded with a trio of Austrian opponents. Sportverein Horn denied Köln a victory in a 1-1 at the Waldviertler Volksbank Arena, before routine victories against SV Austria Salzburg and Wiener Sport-Boys, respectively.

Die Geißböcke finalised three more signings before the beginning of the 2. Bundesliga season. 18-year-old French central-defender Boubacar Kamara was the first of these signings, completing a £3,500,000 move from French side Olympique de Marseille. The French defender made six appearances during the 2017/18 campaign for L'OM prior to departing.


Fabian Holland became the fifth arrival of the Max Kofler era, joining from fellow 2. Bundesliga side SV Darmstadt 98. The left-back arrived for a fee of £1,100,000 and was brought in to replace the void left by both Jonas Hector and Jannes Horn, who had departed to join Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen, respectively.

Having made over 100 appearances during his time with Die Lillen, after joining from Hertha Berlin in 2014, the Berlin-born full-back has experience of both the 2. Bundesliga and the Bundesliga having played a pivotal role for Darmstadt over the past four seasons.


The final signing to detail is the arrival of Icelandic international Alfreð Finnbogason from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. The forward boasts of fifty international caps for Iceland, scoring fourteen times, and has represented his country at both the 2016 European Championships and 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Originally joining his employers in 2016, on loan from Real Sociedad after a brief loan spell in Greece with Olympiakos, the 29-year-old scored seven goals in fourteen appearances, before his deal was turned permanent in the summer for a fee of £3,300,000.

Scoring three times across an injury plagued season, Finnbogason was able to recover last season to make twenty-two appearances and score an impressive tally of twelve goals, as Augsburg finished twelfth. However, Manuel Baum opted to list the Icelandic forward on the loan-market, allowing Max Kofler to bring in the experienced striker until the end of the season, on the eve of the new season beginning.


The only further departure at the club is that of 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Neblyou Perry. Having joined Köln in 2017 on an undisclosed fee from AIK, he has yet to record a first-team appearance and has been loaned out to Superettan outfit Örgryte Idrottssällskap, where he is expected to record regular first-team minutes.

Replies

Maguire: It is, indeed. I have full confidence the results will match.

Jack: Losing Jonas was a huge blow, as he has unmatched quality in this division. However, I expected it, in all honesty, especially when Bayern came calling. Who in their right mind would decline the opportunity to win trophies with the greatest side in German football today? The board have been fairly generous in the percentage of revenue they have given Max, with 90% of it going into the transfer and wage budgets. Hopefully you consider his replacement to be somewhat suitable - replacing someone of his calibre to that standard was never going to be an option, right now.

LFC: It's a theme Max wants to explore with Cologne, finding suitable young talents and improving them. It's something which can reap huge rewards, if used successfully. On the other hand, it's important to bring in experience and know-how, in which I think has been achieved with the likes of Finnbogason.

Justice: Yes, I have a huge wiener. That's what I'm trying to express.

Three very impressive signings. While Kamara has a lot of room for improvement tactically, he could become quite a good option further on in the season. Holland & Finbog have plenty of experience between them, and will prove to be valuable assets!

Some seriously good signings, especially Boubacar Kamara, he has the potential to be world class. Hope it all goes well! And Finnbogason is a great addition.

A good mix of youth and experience joining the club here on relatively low fees compared to what we are used to seeing these days. Hopefully they pay off and Max can see some good early form going into the season!

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The 2. Bundesliga campaign began for Max Kofler and his Köln side with a trip to VfL Bochum. The visitors captured a 2-1 victory to begin their return to the second tier, with two late goals cancelling out a stoppage-time consolation goal from Silvere Ganvoula.

The RheinEnergieSTADION welcomed 1. FC Union Berlin next, as Kofler's side were able to produce a much more confident showing in-front of their home supporters. Union Berlin also witnessed Akaki Gogia's sending-off with seventeen minutes to play, in a disappointing afternoon for Die Eisernen.

After collecting maximum points from their opening two league fixtures, attentions turned to the DFB-Pokal for Effzeh, as they faced 1.FC Lok Stendal of the NOFV-Oberliga Süd. A comfortable victory ensued, as Köln raced through with an 8-0 victory, booking a home tie against FC Augsburg of the Bundesliga in the second round.

The month would close with another victory, as Die Geißböcke continued their perfect record in 2. Bundesliga. Simon Terodde captured his fourth and fifth goals of the season, as a lack-lustre FC Erzgebirge Aue side were dispatched of without any problems.

(Notice: Usually I would place the league table here, but I unfortunately forgot to save prior to the first game of September. Therefore, to avoid spoilers, I have decided to neglect the table for this month only. Apologies.)

Köln were also able to welcome one further addition to the squad, prior to the transfer window slamming shut at the start of September. Arriving for £950,000 from Argentinian side Club Atlético Unión de Santa Fe, left-back Bruno Pittón joins the club. He further bolsters the left-side of the defence following the departures of Jonas Hector and Jannes Horn.

The 25-year-old made 55 appearances for his previous employers, scoring twice, after coming through the youth ranks at the club in 2011, before making his debut in 2015. He brings an ability to push forward and overlap, with fantastic crossing and dribbling ability, at his disposal. Both he and Fabian Holland will compete for the starting position at left-back over the course of the season.


Köln will contest five fixtures during September, beginning with a trip to the Millerntor-Stadion to face FC St.Pauli, before a home tie against SC Paderborn 07 and and an away trip to SV Sandhausen, respectively. The month is closed out with Cologne hosting FC Ingolstadt 04, prior to travelling to DSC Arminia Bielefeld.

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Justice: There is definitely improvement there for Kamara, but he's a young player with plenty of time to do that. He will be a great option to have, definitely. The experience of Holland and Finnbogason, therefore, is extremely important to aid young players in their progression.

Maguire: I agree. I think they're both fantastic players, hence why they were brought in by Max.

LFC: Definitely! In the second tier of Germany, fees are quite minimal so we don't necessarily want to throw needless sums around. Even if we wanted to, on the most part, it is simply not feasible. Players aren't interested in joining the club due to the current situation league-wise. Hopefully this will change next season if, and when, we secure promotion. Fingers crossed on that front.

A very very strong set of results, and a superb signing to add to that. It looks like you'll easily earn promotion to the Bundesliga!

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Throughout his career, Max was focused profusely on his football. Nobody could ever doubt his commitment and professionalism to every aspect of his career. He was a family-orientated individual, but understood that he had to sacrifice every minute he could if he wished to be one of the greatest and cement a legacy on the pitch. Therefore, when opportunity arose to spend time with his closest - usually around the festive period and during the summer break - he took it.

He continued to share a close relationship with both his parents throughout adulthood. His parents, David and Julia Kofler, were caring and devoted. They always had his best interests at heart. His father, in particular, shared a special bond with his son as they experienced a connection in their shared love for football and their adopted team, SK Rapid Wien - who Max would later go on to play for.

Besides his parents, Max wasn't particularly close to the remainder of his family, as both his grandfather and grandmother passed at a young age, prior to which he could remember them. His mother's sister lived abroad, moving to Paris, whilst his father was an only-child, like he was. Therefore, the trio were content in their own little bubble and it would remain this way well into adulthood. Max realised the sacrifices the pair made, especially when he was a young boy, and cherished the amount of support they always had for him.

Despite his attentions being solely on football, Max met a young woman named Sophie when he was eighteen and immediately, the pair fell in love. She was gorgeous; with delicate, bright blue eyes to accompany her soft, blonde hair. Her face was delicate and Max couldn't resist her lips every time they met his. He was smitten beyond belief.

The pair dated for several years prior to Max's departure to join SV Werder Bremen. Sophie was unwilling to move across the border to Germany with him and reluctantly called off the relationship. Max recalled the conversation they had when he broke the news to her countless times in his head, as Sophie sobbed admitting it just wouldn't work, anymore. "I just can't leave Vienna," she said. "I have family here and it'd be too much for me to just pick everything up and leave." Max knew it was the end.

A couple years passed and Max's feelings for Sophie remained as prevalent as ever. He still had her phone number saved to his phone and had resisted the urge to ever contact her. One night, however, Max couldn't suppress his feelings any longer and after taking a few breaths, pressed the key on his phone which allowed the phone to ring. To his surprise, she answered and knew who was on the other end of the line, without even a mutter from Max.

"Max?" She quizzed, with her intonation rising. "How did you..."

"I never deleted your number." Max interrupted, "I couldn't move on, no matter how much I tried." He admitted.

Sophie could be heard sobbing on the line, "I couldn't either. I missed you so, so much." She confessed.

Max smiled, slightly, trying to contain his own emotions from flowing out. That was the love he shared for Sophie. The pair continued their conversation, sharing their feelings for one-another, before Sophie uttered those three magical words; "I love you." At that point, Max didn't know what to think. Sophie was still reluctant about leaving Vienna to travel to Bremen and he couldn't afford to continue to feel this way. He made a decision.

During the winter break, he returned to Vienna; but only briefly visited his family. Instead, he visited Sophie and the pair embraced for what seemed like an eternity in the doorway. Max booked a hotel and they agreed they would spend a night together, enjoying each others company for the first time in years. It was what they both needed, a night together to finally bring a conclusion to everything.

The pair met at a restaurant located opposite from the five-star hotel Max had booked for the evening. Sophie dressed beautifully, and Max dressed equally as appropriate for the occasion. Of course, all the food was on Max and he insisted that Sophie ordered whatever she wanted. She opted to share a joint-meal, as they both enjoyed a large, pepperoni pizza together - not exactly the meal expected from such a highly-reputable restaurant, but the pair always praised themselves for being unique.

Accompanied with a glass of wine for her and a small pint for Max, the pair engaged in constant conversation - it was almost like they'd never been apart. After paying the bill, they raced back to the hotel and enjoyed their night before getting into bed with each other. The pair settled down and comforted themselves, as Max put his arm around Sophie. She snuggled up to him and closed her eyes. "I can't leave Vienna," she admitted, "and I know that means we can't be together, but I'll always love you. Maybe in another life?"

"Definitely," Max agreed, as Sophie adjusted her position enough so they could share a passionate kiss with one another. That was the closure he needed. He loved Sophie, but they were just never to be. That night would be the last night they'd spend together and they made sure it was one to remember...

Replies

Justice: A great start indeed. However, it's important we don't get too ahead of ourselves, yet. There is plenty of football still to be played.

Damn that update hit me right in the feels. Unreal story writing! Poor Max....

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After winning each of their opening three games, Köln were swiftly brought back down to earth against FC St Pauli at the Millerntor-Stadion. Former Arsenal winger, Ryo Miyaichi, equalised for the hosts after Louis Schaub's initial first-half goal, prior to Henk Veerman sealing all three points in the 89th minute for Die Paulianer, handing Effzeh their first loss in their return to the second tier.

Max Kofler tasked his men to respond and his side duly delivered. A confident outing resulted in a 3-0 victory against newly promoted SC Paderborn 07. This was supported by another excellent result, as Köln travelled to SV Sandhausen and humiliated the home side 4-0.

After two emphatic victories, a home tie against FC Ingolstadt 04 was billed as an early six pointer, with both sides tipped to earn promotion alongside Hamburger SV. The home side would celebrate an important victory, courtesy of a first-half strike from Austrian winger Florian Kainz, who brought his tally to three goals in three games, as a result.

The month concluded with a fourth successive clean-sheet for Kofler's men. A 1-0 victory against DSC Arminia Bielefeld ensured Köln maintained their bid to secure immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga.


After recovering from an initial loss against FC St.Pauli, Köln moved top of the 2. Bundesliga table, a point clear of Hamburger SV. Both sides were enjoying a strong start to the season and strengthened their position, as the pair sought to win back immediate promotion to the top flight, following relegation last campaign.

FC St.Pauli currently occupied the play-off spot, with SC Paderborn 04, SSV Jahn Regensburg and MSV Duisburg looming. At the bottom, 1. FC Magdeburg had yet to obtain a point, losing all seven of their opening games and were accompanied by SG Dynamo Dresden in the relegation zone, who had amassed just two points. SV Sandhausen lie in the relegation play-off, but only on goal-difference to both SpVgg Greuther Fürth and VfL Bochum, respectively.

October contains four fixtures for Köln, including the second round of the DFB-Pokal. The RheinEnergieSTADION plays host to MSV Duisburg to open the month, before a trip to Holstein Kiel. 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 will be the penultimate opponents, as Effzeh then entertain FC Augsburg of the Bundesliga to close the month on 31st September, in the DFB-Pokal.

Replies

Maguire: Thank you. At least he got something out of it before they went separate ways.

2019-06-20 18:00#257812 ScottT : She opted to share a joint-meal, as they both enjoyed a large, pepperoni pizza together

I see Max got her a Wiener sausage pie for dinner.