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
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.
Granit Xhaka. Photo: Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka on Thielmann Red: "He killed his team a little bit"

Jan Thielmann received a red card early on for a tackle on Granit Xhaka in the Bundesliga tie between Leverkusen and Köln. Xhaka spoke about this and more afterwards.
Xabi Alonso. Photo: Bayer Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso after 1. FC Köln win: "We were lucky not to concede"

Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 against ten-men 1. FC Köln on Bundesliga matchday 24. Xabi Alonso spoke about the win in an interview after the game.
Jeremie Frimpong. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo

Bayer Leverkusen Grab Difficult Away Derby Win against Köln

Bayer Leverkusen managed to beat a weak 1. FC Köln side at the RheinEnergieStadion, with the Billy Goats being undermanned for most of the tie due to a Jan Thielmann red.
Xabi Alonso. Photo: Bayer Leverkusen

1. FC Köln vs Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga Preview: Team News and Predicted Lineups

1. FC Köln play Xabi Alonso's formidable Bayer Leverkusen side on Sunday with the hope of being the first team to beat their local rivals this season.
Davie Selke. Photo: 1. FC Köln

Timo Schultz: Davie Selke won't start vs Bayer Leverkusen

In the press conference ahead of the Bayer Leverkusen clash, Köln coach Timo Schultz reaffirmed that Davie Selke will not have a starting spot in Müngersdorf on Sunday.