At the start of the 2024-25 2. Bundesliga season, Köln coach Gerhard Struber chose Timo Hübers as the captain of the squad replacing former captain Florian Kainz.
There are multiple reasons why Timo Hübers should perhaps no longer be 1. FC Köln's captain, most of which are detailed in this article.
Timo Hübers has failed to provide a sturdy defence
Well, not really. Köln's somewhat inexperienced defence has suffered multiple humblings and has failed to see out games like against Fortuna Düsseldorf and Karlsruher SC where they lead 3-0.
Below are some of the stats and the position that Köln sit in within the 2. Bundesliga for these defensive numbers:
Goals conceded: 13 (6th most)
Tackles and interceptions (total): 138 (18th)
Fouls committed: 91 (6th most)
Alongside these stats, the expected goals against per game being the lowest in the 2. Bundesliga at 1.17 shows that the defence of the Billy Goats lead by Timo Hübers has not done enough to hamper the little chances Köln's opponents have had.
Timo Hübers lacks experience at the highest level
With only limited international experience on the European level for club, Hübers has not been able to prove himself greatly against big clubs.
Although it is not a requirement to have these strengths in the 2. Bundesliga, it is something that is idealised in a captain of a promotion hopeful.
Timo Hübers has never been promoted into the Bundesliga
Timo Hübers has enjoyed multiple successful seasons in the Bundesliga. However, he has never been a part of a team that has achieved the much-seeked after goal of reaching Germany's top flight.
As a result, he does not know what it takes to get back into the top level of German football and this could hamper Köln's chances of promotion this time out.