OpinionU21 succession settled: Coach search leads to major reshuffling:
The U21 team of 1. FC Köln has a new coach: Manuel Hartmann takes over the second team of the ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/07/u21-nachfolge-geregelt-trainersuche-fuehrt-zu-grossem-stuehleruecken/
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New U21 Coach Triggers Major Staff Shifts at FCManuel Hartmann takes over the 1. FC Köln U21 team in July 2026, initiating multiple internal promotions within the youth system.
Key FactsJul 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Manuel Hartmann becomes the head coach of 1. FC Köln’s U21 squad, succeeding Evangelos Sbonias who joins the professional coaching staff.
- Hartmann leaves his U17 coaching role vacant, continuing a series of upward moves among the club's youth coaches.
- Technical Director Lukas Berg highlights Hartmann’s strong fit due to his professional playing background and rapport with young athletes.
- The 42-year-old former pro looks forward to starting his new role with a training camp in Hennef.
Our shared goal will be to prepare our talents as well as possible for the demands of professional football, and thus to provide maximum support to the professional division around René Wagner.— Manuel Hartmann, speaking about his aims in the U21 role and his plan to develop players for the pro ranks and support the pro department led by René Wagner.
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1. FC Köln: Manuel Hartmann takes over as coach of the U21 team: The 42-year-old has worked at FC Köln since 2018 and succeeds Evangelos Sbonias.
rundschau-online.de/sport/koelner-sport/1-fc-koeln-manuel-hartmann-uebernimmt-trainerposten-bei-der-u-21-1319034
Internal solution found: Hartmann takes over Cologne II: Der 1. FC Köln II hat seinen Nachfolger für den zu den Profis aufgerückten Evangelos Sbonias präsentiert ...
kicker.de/interne-loesung-gefunden-hartmann-uebernimmt-koeln-ii-1234061/artikel
OpinionU21 succession settled: Coach search leads to major reshuffling: The U21 team of 1. FC Köln has a new coach: Manuel Hartmann takes over the second team of the ...
geissblog.koeln/2026/07/u21-nachfolge-geregelt-trainersuche-fuehrt-zu-grossem-stuehleruecken/
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Key Facts1. FC Köln U21 Shines in New Coach's Debut
Jul 11, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Manuel Hartmann led the 1. FC Köln U21 to a convincing 6-1 victory over FC Gießen in his first match as coach.
- Both Malek El Mala and Nilas Yacobi scored two goals each, showcasing talent for potential promotion to the first team.
- Hartmann praised the team's intensity and tactical execution during their week-long training camp in Hennef.
- René Wagner attended the match to evaluate young players for upcoming Bundesliga squad decisions.
I'll take a look at the U21 tomorrow. Then I will make the final decision on who will join us here on Monday. I'd like to take the impression from the game with me.— René Wagner, prior to the training day, on evaluating U21 players and the subsequent promotion to the pro team
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Key FactsSbonias’ Promotion Shapes FC Köln U21’s Path
Jun 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: geissblog.koeln
- Evangelos Sbonias was promoted to assist the professional team shortly before the U21 squad began training.
- Technical Director Lukas Berg highlighted that Sbonias’ appointment followed a thorough selection process.
- The search for a new U21 head coach is a strategic priority approached calmly yet efficiently.
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We don't feel any pressure and we're not rushing, because the group and the coaching staff are functioning.— Lukas Berg, FC Köln's Technical Director, on the U21 post and the selection process
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