1.FC Köln get relegated: What went wrong?

1.FC Köln: one of the most heartbreaking campaigns ever?

Expect the unexpected. Yup, one can easily relate that to the now ex-Bundesliga club 1.FC Köln. The 2016/2017 season was arguably one of the best season they could ever have. With French striker Anthony Modeste in top form, the Billy Goats of Germany qualified for a European tournament for the first time in 25 years. Finishing 5th, 1.FC Köln fans were ecstatic to know that their favorite club was going to play in the Europa League.

Watch Yuya Osako secure Europa League qualification for Köln

Here's our speculation as to what ruined the party for Köln:

1] The departure of Anthony Modeste

Okay, you don't need to be a genius to understand that. Anthony Modeste was undoubtedly one of Bundesliga's most feared strikers. The Frenchman played a vital role in securing a Europa League spot for the Billy Goats. Needless to say, Köln needed to "put a ring on it". But, they sold Modeste to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian, only to get Jhon Cordoba from FSV Mainz 05. I smell regret!

2] A horrible start

In what can be called as one of the worst starts ever to any team playing top division football in Europe, Köln were winless in their first 18 matches, securing a measly 2 points. That's like half the season. What do you expect? This must've seriously downed the morale of the entire team, making the job even more difficult. They did have their ups in the second half of the season, but quite sadly, it was nowhere enough. Relegation for Köln was almost inevitable, and that's exactly what happened.

3] The big names failing to perform

Claudio Pizarro
Even with all their problems, Köln's squad wasn't the one you would call weak. Blessed with forwards like Claudio Pizarro and Simon Terodde, defense consisted of Jonas Hector and Sørensen, while midfield had Marcel Risse and Vincent Koziello, and yes, you cannot forget Timo Horn! Despite having a team that bursts with quality, Köln failed to replicate their previous performance, ultimately leading to relegation.

4] The Stöger charm lost its edge

Peter Stöger bidding farewell to his fans after his last game with Köln.
Peter Stöger did an amazing job last season. Leading from the front, ever enthusiastic and exuberant in his coaching style, Stöger was Köln's talisman. However, it was only going to be an uphill battle next, with Stöger failing to live up to the new heightened expectations. Stefan Ruthenbeck did succeed in giving the team a fresh start after Stöger's departure, but it was too late. Things had already gotten out of hand.

We go down, we go down as a team

Jonas Hector and Timo Horn are staying with Köln.
That's the reason why we watch the Bundesliga, don't we? In an era where players change teams like they change clothes for a few extra bucks and going to any extent to get a penalty/free kick, the Bundesliga is a shining example for fair play and royalty. Some of Köln's best players, including Timo Horn and Jonas Hector, have signed extensions with their club, despite many other teams pursuing them. This will surely lead to a stronger resolve to come back to the Bundesliga as quickly as possible.

We will surely miss you in the Bundesliga next season, Billy Goats! Come back as quickly as possible!