Steffen Baumgart was once the face of the 1. FC Cologne. With his distinctive nature, his passion on the sidelines and his direct, honest communication, he quickly became a cult coach. During his tenure at the “Effzeh” he led the club to the Conference League, brought the fans into the stadium with his offensive style of play and ensured a new euphoria around the club. But after his time in Cologne, his coaching career stumbled.
The comet -like rise in Cologne
When Baumgart took over the 1st FC Köln in the summer of 2021, the club was in a difficult situation. The relegation was just successful in the relegation, the team had to reinvent itself. Baumgart did that. He prescribed aggressive pressing, courage to risk and an unmistakable playing style, which reminded of his own time as a player. In his first season, Cologne sensationally came to seventh place and qualified for European business.
But the second season was less successful. Injuries, a high burden of the triple burden and a emerging tactical stagnation ensured that Baumgart’s success concept no longer reached as desired. The FC slipped in the table, and after a number of weak appearances, the paths separated in winter 2023.
From Cologne to Hamburg: A misunderstanding at HSV
After his departure in Cologne, Baumgart took over in the summer of 2023 Hamburger SVwith the clear goal of finally leading the traditional club back to the Bundesliga. But the collaboration was not a good star right from the start. Baumgart’s game idea did not fit perfectly with the team, and the hoped -for consistency failed to materialize. Despite a promising start into the season, the HSV got into a crisis and threatened to miss the promotion again. After just a few months, Baumgart was released in December 2023 – a short but disappointing chapter for both sides.
The current drama: Baumgart and Union Berlin
A few weeks after his end in Hamburg, Baumgart Union Berlin to. After the successful era of Urs Fischer Should he stabilize the Köpenickers and lead to old strength again. But the results failed to materialize. Union is deep in the table cellar, and otherwise so clear line is washed out. His impulsive way, once his greatest strength, seems to be increasingly turning against him.
The calls after discharge become louder. In the coming days, it could decide whether Baumgart will get another chance or whether Union Berlin pulls the ripcord again after just a few months. If this happened, it would be another setback in a career that once went steeply, but now takes a questionable downward trend.
Does Baumgart still have a future in the Bundesliga?
The question now is: Can Steffen Baumgart build on his successful times again? His football was once a refreshing contrast to the uniform porridge of the league. But tactics develop further, and Baumgart has to prove that it is also adaptable. Otherwise, he could disappear faster in the sinking than many would have thought possible a few years ago.
(Tagstotranslate) 1.FC Köln