Gerhard Struber Reflects on Career Transition and New Beginnings at Bristol City

Gerhard Struber, the former head coach of Köln, is poised to return to the Bundesliga sidelines this season. Despite leading his team to second place in the 2. Bundesliga with only two matches left last spring, the club opted to replace him with Friedhelm Funkel to guide their promotion efforts.

Fortunately, Struber did not remain without a position for long. Within a month, the ex-Barnsley manager accepted a role at Bristol City in the EFL Championship as the new season approached. In a recent interview with Transfermarkt, Struber discussed his unexpected career shift and other experiences.

“Immediately after departing from Köln, I received inquiries from several notable German clubs, along with offers from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. To be honest, my first reaction was to take a break. However, I view England as a footballing paradise and have a deep appreciation for its football culture. I knew I would readily accept an offer from the right club.

“Bristol City aligns well with my coaching style. It was an excellent opportunity for me to get back on track, and I believe it was the best decision I could have made. Once training commenced, I fully left my experiences at 1. FC Köln behind and devoted myself entirely to this new challenge. I no longer harbor any anger regarding my dismissal; it took time, but I now reflect on that chapter differently.”

Struber reflected on the tumultuous period at Köln, marked by relegation and a transfer ban. “When I took over, the atmosphere around the club was far from ideal. Despite that, we were on the verge of promotion until the very end. I prefer not to delve into the specifics; that belongs to the past. We were close to achieving promotion, and while our play was not always aesthetically pleasing, we were in a strong position. As I mentioned, I prefer to move forward rather than dwell on it.”

He also expressed his enthusiasm for the football culture in England, stating, “Matches here are frequently sold out, and the fans passionately celebrate the game and the players’ efforts. While some traditional clubs in Germany share a similar spirit, there seems to be a unique approach here in England, where fans also engage in their own creative displays.

“Moreover, managing in England offers the added benefit of having a say in player transfers. Bristol is a vibrant and hospitable city filled with delightful people who enjoy celebrating. I find it reminiscent of Köln, albeit without the carnival atmosphere. It’s a fascinating city, rich in history and nostalgia, complemented by the typical English humor that I truly enjoy.”