Daum set for second spell at Fenerbahce
Reuters - Tuesday 02 June 2009, 14:49
BERLIN - German coach Christoph Daum has
left FC Cologne and is set to rejoin Turkish side Fenerbahce,
the Bundesliga club said on Tuesday.
"We are sad that Christoph Daum is leaving," Cologne
chairman Wolfgang Overath said in a statement.
"Christoph thanked us for the collaboration and said he
could not refuse the offer because of its very good sports and
financial framework.
"We wish him all the best in his new job."
Fenerbahce sacked coach Luis Aragones after the Spaniard led
the Turkish club to fourth place in the league, Spanish daily El
Mundo reported on Monday.
As well as his previous three-year stint at Fenerbahce from
2003, Daum, 55, has also had two spells with new Turkish
champions Besiktas, winning a total of three league titles and
one cup before signing a four-year contract with Cologne in
2006.
"My decision is not going against Cologne but in favour of
new challenges," Daum said in a statement released through his
lawyers.
"I have the chance to play internationally right away which
for me as a coach is a major challenge and wish," Daum said.
Fenerbahce have qualified for the Europa League, the
successor to the UEFA Cup.
PODOLSKI STUNNED
Daum steered Cologne to 12th place this term after helping
them win promotion from the second division the previous season.
He was also instrumental in getting striker Lukas Podolski,
a favourite with the fans, back to Cologne for next season.
Podolski, who will return to his home club after an unhappy
three-year spell at Bayern, said Daum's departure was
unexpected.
"This news comes as complete surprise," the striker said in
Dubai ahead of Germany's friendly with United Arab Emirates
later on Tuesday.
"But I am confident the club will find a worthy successor
and I am certain that the club will meet its targets
irrespective of the coach change."