FC Kaiserslautern look ahead to derby clash in Karlsruhe, reflect on historic victory over Köln | OneFootball

The surprise gamble of 2. Bundesliga side FC Kaiserslautern to change coaches with only four matchdays remaining has produced an early success. Former Lautern player Torsten Lieberknecht’s team defeated FC Schalke 04 at home last weekend. The result stemmed from a three-match losing streak that spelled the end of head coach Markus Anfang’s tenure.

Lautern remain in 7th place in the table, but are only one point below the promotion-relegation playoff spot contested by a tight field. The road ahead nevertheless remains anything but easy. Lieberknecht’s Pfälzer must now travel to regional rivals Karlsruher SC this weekend. Lautern haven’t won away at the Wildpark Stadion at this level in over 11 years.

After a home fixture against Lieberknecht’s former club SV Darmstadt 98, Lautern must travel to the RheinEnergieStadion to face current 2. Bundesliga league leaders FC Köln. Lieberknecht commented on the forthcoming match in Baden at his Friday press conference. Speaking after last week’s victory, the coach drew some interesting historical parallels.

“We’ll stoke the emotions, give clear instructions, and then let loose,” Lieberknecht said of the forthcoming fixture. “Everyone has performed so well this week that I am spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the squad for the match. At this point in time, it’s good to know that we have all the guys on board.

“It’ll be a heated atmosphere at the Wildpark,” Lieberknecht continued. “And we want to play our part in that.“

Reflecting upon the road ahead last weekend, Lieberknecht couldn’t help but bring up an interesting piece of history. Back in 1991, Lautern secured their third league title on the season’s final matchday with a 2-6 away win at Köln. Lieberknecht would make his professional debut for FCK one year later.

“Kôln has already seen something truly magnificent for FC Kaiserslautern,” Lieberknecht said. “Why shouldn’t we talk about it and remember it?”

GGFN | Peter Weis