1. FC Cologne

Should Timo Hübers still be the 1. FC Köln captain?

By
Moritz Baer
September 30, 2024
21:52
Timo Hübers
Timo Hübers

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.

Match Result

1. FC Cologne
:
1. FC Cologne
1. FC Cologne
Timo Schultz. Photo: 1. FC Köln (X (formerly Twitter))

1. FC Köln vs RB Leipzig Bundesliga Preview: Team News and Predicted Lineups

1. FC Köln host RB Leipzig in Müngersdorf on Friday with the hope of moving closer to safety in the Bundesliga. Leipzig, however, look to close in on Stuttgart in third.
Dejan Ljubicic By Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

1. FC Köln Injury Update: Ljubicic and Maina not in training, Davie Selke returns to full training

In the press conference before the RB Leipzig game, 1. FC Köln coach Timo Schultz gave some updates on injuries within the squad.
Benno Schmitz (centre). By Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

1. FC Köln's Benno Schmitz very likely to leave in the summer

The longest-serving 1. FC Köln player, Benno Schmitz, is very likely going to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.
Justin Diehl. Photo: 1. FC Köln

Justin Diehl Agrees Contract with VfB Stuttgart

According to Bild, Justin Diehl has agreed the details over a free transfer over to VfB Stuttgart for the summer following efforts from 1. FC Köln to keep the player.
Marvin Schwäbe. Photo: Orange Pictures

Five Players That Could Leave 1. FC Köln In The Summer

1. FC Köln have multiple players that may leave in the summer following the 2023-24 Bundesliga season. These players may either leave on a free or for a transfer fee.
Justin Diehl. Photo: 1. FC Köln

1. FC Köln's Justin Diehl Out for Several Weeks

After being subbed out against Bayer Leverkusen, Köln have announced that Justin Diehl will be miss the Rhine derby on Saturday and is out with injury for several weeks.