Podolski looks at Cologne's future: relegation is the goal!

Podolski looks at Cologne's future: relegation is the goal!

Köln, Deutschland - June 4, 2025 is just around the corner, and Lukas Podolski looks at a big anniversary: ​​he celebrates his 40th birthday. However, the former player of 1st FC Köln and the German national team sees this day rather calmly. Instead of a big celebration, he prefers to celebrate quietly and modestly, because age has no special meaning for him. In a conversation, Podolski expressed that he enjoys his life to the fullest, is healthy and has a loving family that is important to him and that prepares him reluctantly for this special day.

poker for the future: What does Podolski think about 1. FC Köln?
Lately the football professional has visited the city together with a film team, including the Rhein-Energie Stadium and the headquarters of Mangal Döner, as part of its Netflix documentary. Podolski attentively observes what his heart's club is like. In his opinion, the 1. FC Köln is in transition. After the Bundesliga season, he took the time to understand the processes and challenges that deal with the association. The relegation is the top priority for Podolski, and he emphasizes the unrest in the club, which was caused by numerous coaching and sports director changes. "There is something," he says, emphasizing that real cooperation with those responsible is necessary to make improvements.

a heart for the fans and the look ahead

podolski is concerned about the constant change of personnel in the club and criticizes the transfer lock, which significantly affects the development of the team. Despite these obstacles, he has great respect for the loyal fans and sees a lot of potential for positive changes. "I have had valuable experiences in marketing and management in Zabrze. If the FC is really interested, I could help," he explains. Even if he has confidence in the current board of directors, he does not believe that the upcoming Presidium fight vote will have a great influence on the team.

The last few weeks have not been without challenges for Podolski: he extended his contract with the Polish first division club Gornik Zabrze for another year and considered the advantages of his commitment there to be important. "I am open to offers, but I am not yet planning specifically for the time after my active career," he smiles. The start of his new season in Zabrze is scheduled for mid -June, and until then the question of his own future remains open to the football star.

Before the last game of the season of the previous Bundesliga season, Podolski could already feel the upcoming happiness for 1. FC Köln. He was optimistic and described the climb as "cool". In the stadium, he was eagerly watching the game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, which FC was able to win. "Cologne is back where you belong," says the footballer and manager of Street United about the success of his former club.

The celebrations after the promotion were a real highlight for Podolski in its connection to Cologne. With a deep emotional commitment, he will remain an important part of the football scene, regardless of the role. While he offers FC his support, he at the same time thinks about his own steps. After the Champions League final in Munich and his return to Cologne, one thing remains clear: The love of football and his roots remains strong at Lukas Podolski.

June 4 is close, but the decisions that Podolski has to make are still open. Until then, he remains an important mouthpiece and a loyal supporter of 1. FC Cologne, whose history and future are important to him.