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Kenyan winger Linton Maina faces uncertainty as FC Koln parts ways with their manager amidst a challenging season.
Kenyan winger Linton Maina finds himself at the crossroads of his career as his Bundesliga club FC Koln bids farewell to their manager, Steffen Baumgart.
This seismic shift in leadership comes amidst a challenging season for the club, languishing in the 17th spot on the Bundesliga standings, having managed only two victories in their last 16 outings.
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21:59 - 17.12.2023
STARS ABROAD Misery for Kenyan winger as FC Koln suffer more Bundesliga pain
Maina produced flashes of creative brilliance but could not help FC Koln avoid defeat to Freiburg.
The latest blow came in the form of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Union Berlin, leaving fans and players alike pondering the future.
Baumgart, who took the helm at FC Köln in May 2021 after a successful stint at Bundesliga 2 side Paderborn, initially breathed fresh life into the squad.
In his first season as coach, he and his coaching staff orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, clinching qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
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The following year saw the team advance to the group stage of the competition and secure an 11th-place finish in the Bundesliga.
"During his time at FC, Steffen and his coaching staff did great work. He had huge identification for the club and our strategy, and despite the many challenges extended his contract twice," shared Kpln Managing Director, Christian Keller.
"Away from the pitch, Steffen was always ready to help and exchange ideas as to how to develop FC further. The path required strength and conviction, from all involved and most of all Steffen."
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"After the current unsatisfactory start to the season, we were very open, direct, factual, and respectful in the last days and weeks, as to whether or not the strength and conviction are there in the required amount,"Keller added.
Coach Baumgart, in his response to the departure, expressed the emotional weight of the decision.
“Everyone can imagine that the decision to leave FC is one that I did not take lightly. The club has become home for me in the last two-and-a-half years. What we achieved together makes me proud, with the team, with the staff but also with the entire club," Baumgart said.
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"At the same time, that is also the reason why I have the feeling that it needs a change. FC stands above all. Even though we invested a lot in the past months, the results haven’t been there. Perhaps it needs a new impulse.
"To leave hurts, but I am thankful for the time here and want to thank FC, after working here with my heart and closeness, especially those responsible, my coaching staff, my team, and the fans," he concluded.
Baumgart's departure adds a layer of uncertainty to FC Koln's already turbulent season, especially as it coincides with the Court of Arbitration for Sport's dismissal of the club's appeal concerning the signing of Jaka Čuber Potočnik from Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana.
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This verdict seals FC Koln's fate, banning them from registering new players for the next two transfer periods due to Potočnik's breach of contract against his former club.
For Linton Maina, whose international eligibility remains a matter of intrigue, the abrupt change in leadership at FC Köln raises questions about his future.
Having represented Germany up to the Under-20s level, Maina's dual heritage, born to a Kenyan father and a German mother, adds a unique dimension to his career.
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10:06 - 21.12.2023
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars prospect Linton Maina shines despite FC Koln's Bundesliga setback
Linton Maina's full-time return to FC Koln was not enough to secure victory against Union Berlin, leaving them in a challenging position.
As he navigates these uncertain waters, the Harambee Stars' faithful will undoubtedly be watching closely, hoping to see their prospect shine in whichever direction his career takes him.
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