Cologne has named Stefan Ruthenbeck as the full-time successor to Peter Stöger, who was dismissed from his position earlier this month after four and a half years in the role.
Ruthenbeck and his coaching staff had been in charge of the club’s U-19 before taking charge of the first team, initially on an interim basis, on 3 December. The 45-year-old former Greuther Fürth and Aalen boss has now been handed the reins until the end of the season after securing the Billy Goats’ first Bundesliga win of 2017/18 at home to Wolfsburg.
“Stefan Ruthenbeck and his team have convinced me with their work. They prepare the team diligently, find the right things to say and good solutions in a tough situation,” said sporting director Armin Veh. “They have my trust and that’s why we’ve decided as a club to continue working with this coaching team.”
Ruthenbeck himself added, “FC is my club. As someone born and raised in Cologne, it’s a real honour to be able to coach this club. It’s a great opportunity. Together with my team, I’ll do all I can to guide the team successfully through the remaining 17 games of the season and manage that miracle of avoiding relegation.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
