Former Cologne official: axed coach Baumgart could have shaped an era

Former Cologne sporting director Horst Heldt regrets the exit of coach Steffen Baumgart which he named a missed opportunity for the struggling Bundesliga club.

Heldt told Sky TV that Cologne "failed to shape an era with Steffen. A unique opportunity to go through thick and thin. Phrases are one thing but how to live it is a different story. This also includes going into the second division with the coach."

"Steffen has woken up the club, he has achieved incredible things," Heldt said.

Heldt was influential in getting Baumgart but had left when the coach started in 2021. The popular Baumgart had a contract until 2025 but had to go on Thursday after the team ended the first part of the season in second last place.

Heldt blamed the club leadership for the poor season, saying club leaders "walked into this situation with their eyes wide open" and went on to question the philosophy of the club.

"If the consequence of this is that the team becomes weaker and weaker and is no longer competitive, then you have to ask yourself: are we still on the right track?"